BURLINGTON, Ohio -- A Huntington manufacturing firm has purchased a spec building in the Burlington area and will expand, adding 20 new jobs to the existing 38 jobs.

D J Manufacturing, 517 3rd Ave. W., bought the property adjacent to Navy Trucking for $2,050,000, according to property transfer records in Lawrence County Auditor Ray T. "Moose" Dutey's office in Ironton.

Thad Blatt, president of Navy Trucking, said the 56,000-square-foot spec building was finished earlier this year.

"It took a couple of years," he said Wednesday. "I hope we can build more of these."

The 5.12-acre parcel is located in the Burlington area.

A representative of D J Manufacturing couldn't be reached Wednesday for comment. The company manufactures manufacturing equipment.

Ralph Kline, assistant executive director of the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization, said the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners applied for $174,900 in community development block grant funds for the project.

The grant, which was approved about a month ago, will be used for access road improvements and storm sewer improvements, Kline said Wednesday.

"That's great news for Lawrence County," said Commissioner Jason Stephens. "It's another step forward for us."

"Any new job that comes to Lawrence County is a good thing," said Commissioner Tanner Heaberlin. "This adds to our diversity. It allows a business to grow and expand."