Local, state and federal officials joined Roth Industries, Inc. to celebrate the company’s $6 million expansion project ground breaking at its Watertown, N.Y., facility.

Manfred Roth, chairman and CEO of the company, was in town from Germany for the event, and kicked off the ceremony by welcoming guests and local/state representatives.

“Watertown is very important to us,” Roth said. “After having started our production in Watertown just ten years ago, we are now entering into our next phase of the expansion.”

Speakers included Mayor Joe Butler, Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D. - 116th District), Sarah Compo on behalf of Sen. Patty Ritchie, Steve Hunt with Empire State Development, Don Alexander and David Zembiec with Jefferson County Economic Development, and Don Rutherford with Watertown Local Development Corporation.

"It's really exciting to have this day and now the hard work begins," said Joe Brown, president and CEO of Roth Industries North American operations. “The bulk of the company’s products are used in the residential housing market and times were very difficult during the economic downturn for several years. The Roth ownership remained steadfast, loyal and supportive and we stand here today a stronger, leaner, better organized business than ever before with a goal to continue to improve, grow and give back to our employees as a result of Roth’s stewardship.”

The project will include a 27,000 sq. ft. expansion, the installation of a new blow molding machine, and the creation of at least 12 new jobs – six upon completion of the project, with the balance added as business grows over the next several years. The new machine will add the capacity to produce additional product lines at the Watertown plant that are in prototype development now.

Roth’s Watertown facility produces its double-wall oil storage tanks, blow-molded construction/traffic barriers, manifolds and tubing for in-floor radiant heating systems. The Watertown location currently encompasses 42,000 sq. ft. and employs 24 people.