A manufacturing plant on Clark St. was not included in the original blueprints of Impact Warren.

But Warren Mayor Mark Phillips insists the incorporation of Insert Molding Technologies, Inc. into the final plans, fills in the question mark.

"Part of where they are located had a question mark with it," admitted Phillips.

The three connected buildings that make up the former Loranger Manufacturing had always been part of the Impact Warren project. A new transit authority office will be built where the eastern building is located, and part of the conference center will be built at the western building site.

Developers had explored different options for what would be housed at the central building location. One possibility was to use it as additional retail space. But Phillips said keeping IMT where it is is a top priority.

"I felt it made sense to do whatever we could do to maintain manufacturing jobs," Phillips said.

IMT, a manufacturer of circuit breaker bases for automobiles, has approximately 60 full-time employees. The company is owned and operated by former Loranger Manufacturing employees.

Phillips said that having these skilled workers located on Clark Street "only adds value to the downtown."

These employees will patronize local businesses, Phillips pointed out.

In addition, IMT has already signed an agreement to rent 50 parking spaces in the new parking garage.

According to Phillips, IMT CEO and President, John Loranger had received several offers to locate the manufacturing company in Bradford or Lakewood, N.Y.

It became the priority of city and county officials to assist the company in securing a spot in Warren County to retain jobs, Phillips said.

The manufacturing plant will be given a face-lift to blend in with the construction projects to be built around it. Phillips hopes to work with the company to upgrade the front and back exterior of the building to be consistent with the other developments.

A walking path will stretch along the back of the buildings.

Phillips suggested taking further steps to make sure IMT remains in Warren by making loan funds available. "I am working with Mr. Loranger to further assist them in staying in the city of Warren."