NOVAIR USA, a leading manufacturer of on-site gas production systems, will expand its operations in North Tonawanda, New York. The $1 million project is expected to create 12 jobs over the next five years.

In January the company acquired Oxygen Generating Systems Intl., located in North Tonawanda. OGSI manufactures a wide range of highly durable oxygen generators.

“This is not what most people think of when they hear the words ‘job creation,’ this is about facilitating growth not only for the company but for the new hires as well by adding good paying career-oriented positions, NOVAIR USA President Timothy Blach said.

Empire State Development will provide up to $170,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for job commitments.

“Advanced manufacturers like NOVAIR USA fuel economic growth by exploring new technologies, delivering next-generation products, and creating new, higher-paying jobs,” noted Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “While NOVAIR has a global reach, this successful company decided to expand in Niagara County, highlighting the extensive innovation and manufacturing talent found in Western New York.”

The investment will allow NOVAIR to expand its U.S. operations by moving some Miami-based production from a recently acquired company, America Energy, to the North Tonawanda plant, according to state officials.

Additionally, NOVAIR would like to relocate nitrogen equipment technology, manufactured by its entity in Italy (Noxerior), for domestic manufacturing and distribution.