It's an all too common occurrence these days. Manufacturing companies are shutting down in the United States and moving production overseas. But one company in Cortland is defying the odds. Brent Fox explains how the Cortland Line company is getting what they need to stay right here in Upstate New York.

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- The Cortland Line company is recognized around the world for its innovative fishing lines and for the past one hundred years, it has called Cortland home.

"Cortland Line's actually the oldest fly line company in the United States. Ray Smith basically invented what is classically the silk line with a taper to it and when he came up with that it absolutely changed the industry as a whole," said John Wilson, Cortland Line Executive Manager.

But a few years ago, the factory was on the verge of being sold and moved overseas.

State and county lawmakers got together and credited Cortland Line with a $200,000 development package. Those funds plus some new leadership will help keep the factory in Cortland.

"We're fortunate because John Wilson came and he's an individual that has been involved in the sport of fly fishing for years and he recognized the history and the brand that Cortland has in terms of the Cortland Line factory," said Cortland Mayor Brian Tobin.

Not only will the new funding allow them to keep the current 22 employees on board at Cortland Line, but also expand and make improvements to its manufacturing facility, a move that could lead to more jobs.

"I'm optimistic that with the leadership of Mr. Wilson that the company will experience another increase," said Tobin.

But, even with the expansion, Cortland Line will still have to stand out.

"Well it's going to be a difficult process. Certainly we have a lot of competition from around the world. Cortland has always been an innovator in the world of fly lines so we just have to be, we have to be smarter, leaner, faster company than we've been in the past," said Wilson.

The development package, new leadership, and support from local lawmakers are all working towards a single goal.

"If I have anything to do with it, the Cortland Line will be here for 100 years and beyond," said Wilson.

Of the $200,000 package, State Senator James Seward helped secure $150,000 in Empire State Development Corp. funding.

Another $50,000 grant has been pledged by the Cortland County Business Development Corporation.