NORWICH, N.Y. -- Unison Industries in Norwich, a subsidiary of GE Aviation, has played a huge role in the aviation industry for decades. It specializes in commercial and military aircraft components.

The plant's leader is hoping a new expansion could help the county's economy take off.

"I think it's a great opportunity to grow in this community. We talk about our plant here as a family. It's our competitive advantage that we are a small community, we come from a small community, and people here act and operate like a family," said Dan Ketchum, Unison Industries Plant leader.

The expansion will allow Unison to begin manufacturing new sensor technology for aircraft and provide upgrades to their aging facility.

A planned $28.9 million expansion will be possible after receiving $4.3 million from the state's upstate revitalization initiative.

"We're excited to partner with the state in this expansion. It's certainly something that we need here. It's an investment that will help this place grow well into the future," said Ketchum.

The expansion is set to create 76 new jobs along with retaining 362.

The lieutenant governor says these are jobs that are crucial for New York State.

"We're in competition with other states and other countries that are trying to lure good businesses. We've got a very solid reason for them to stay here but to help them out with a little money from the state makes a difference and we love to see expansions like this," Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said.

The plant has been working on raising money for the expansion since July.

They plan to hold a job fair in the future to fill the 76 open positions.