The economy may be picking up overall, but in places like Leoni Township, things are still slow.

"This part of Jackson County is bad," says resident Henry Heise. "You ask everybody, are you working or not? Most of the time they say not."

That's why news that local manufacturer Adco is expanding in Michigan Center is especially welcome.

"It'd be great for the community," says Leoni Township Supervisor Todd Brittain.

Brittain wasn't sure when we spoke with him if everything was a done deal or not, but the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Tuesday Adco was receiving a $1.2 million tax credit over five years to expand, eventually creating 212 direct jobs and 461 indirect jobs.

The president of Adco Glen Frommer wasn't able to speak with us in person Tuesday, but he did tell us that out of their plants in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, he's pleased to be expanding right here in the state.

"I would like to see as many businesses come to Leoni Township as possible," Brittain says.

Brittain says the township would be giving Adco a personal property tax break, too. In turn, he hopes the local area sees a direct benefit.

"I'm hoping they hire local people," he says.

Our conversation with Frommer leads us to believe not everything is a done deal; he says much more information will be coming out about this expansion in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, Leoni Township-- and the state of Michigan-- will wait with open arms.