HAMILTON — A manufacturing facility is taking shape on East Avenue, creating jobs and helping transform a blighted area.

The 52,000-square-foot structure at 999 East Ave. is an expansion of Matandy Steel & Metal Products and represents a $2.5 million investment by the company, city officials said.

The location will be the home of Matandy’s new venture — JN Linrose Manufacturing LLC, which will employ 15 to 20 people to manufacture light-gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction, said Matandy owner Frank Pfirman.

Getting into the construction supply business during an economic downturn may seem counter-intuitive, but Pfirman said his employees are working overtime to get the product out. Also, being new to the industry has created a new revenue stream.

“During these very hard economic times, it’s been a lifesaver for Matandy,” he said. “Basically, it has created two pots to pull from.”

It is Matandy’s second expansion since relocating to Hamilton in 1997, Pfirman said. The city has helped make it possible through a tax increment financing agreement and funneling $750,000 for environmental remediation through the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund.

“The growth and expansion of the Matandy family of companies is a true testimony of a successful public/private partnership,” said Melissa Johnson Gabbard, economic development administrator.