Additional sources confirmed that negotiations for financial incentives offered by local governments have taken place.

Blessing currently has a payroll of 20 employees with seven working full time, Rorie said.

"Our belief is, if we receive support from the city, county and state, we will see that number (of employees) increase significantly in the coming months," Rorie said, noting these will be higher skilled jobs.

The brass musical instrument maker was purchased by the Verne Q. Powell Flutes company in October 2009. At that time, Powell owner Steven Wasser said he was committed to Elkhart, wanting to invest in and grow the business in the community.

Already the new owner has been repositioning Blessing in the market. The company unveiled the new Blessing professional model trumpet at the National Association of Music Merchants show in California and the Texas Music Educators Association show earlier this year. Musicians are buzzing about the horns as well as about Blessing's newest hire, respected trumpeter Fred Powell who designed the new pro instruments.

Along with putting a professional line into production, Blessing is preparing to again make euphoniums and tubas, Rorie said. Plus, Powell Flutes plans to bring its Sonaré production to Elkhart from Germany and Taiwan.

The expanded manufacturing will be too much for the present facility on Beardsley Avenue. Blessing has found a building on Paul Drive, north of Elkhart, and although the purchase has not been completed, the company's offer on a property has been accepted, Rorie said.