ARDMORE -- In the last 12 months we've had more than our share of bad economic news - from cut backs at Michelin, to the closure of the MBM food distribution center. But now Ardmore economists say a large air filter manufacturer will create 150 jobs for the area, and they say the economic benefits won't stop there. Shelby Levins reports.

The sounds of manufacturing aren't here yet, but soon this industrial center off Highway 70 East will be bustling. The Ardmore Development Authority says the Flanders Corporation purchased the former Best Buy property to open an air filter manufacturing and distribution facility.

"This company was really on a fast track to get up an get into production by April in order to meet the next construction cycle,” Brien Thorstenberg, the Vice President of the Ardmore Development Authority, said.

Thorstenberg says the site's 400,000 square foot center coupled with the relatively close proximity to Oklahoma City and Dallas, made it a perfect match for Flanders Corporation.

Thorstenberg says the manufacturing center will create 150 jobs for the area and an additional 100 jobs over the next two years. Not to mention, the extra revenue it's expected to generate for the whole community.

"We're bringing in outside money into the community in terms of payroll, in terms of investment in equipment, and in terms of purchasing the building - that grows our economic pie,” Thorstenberg explained.

Thorstenberg says that in turn could attract more retailers and restaurants to Ardmore. But local residents we talked seemed to care most about the new jobs Flanders Corporation is planning to bring to town.

"The way the market is now, it's something that will be very helpful for this area,” Latoyia Brown said.

"I think it's really going to give a lot people in need, who are willing to work, a great opportunity,” Laurel Dickinson said.

The most recent numbers available from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission show the national unemployment rate at about 10%, and Oklahoma's at about 7%. Thorstenberg says Ardmore is hovering around 6%. He hopes Flanders Corporation will help lower that local percentage, while adding something new to the local economy.

"It helps diversify the economy. This is our fist venture into this industry,” Thorstenberg said.

With today being a holiday, our calls to the chief executives at the Flanders Corporation in North Carolina have not been returned yet.

The company is scheduling a job fair for January 26th at SOTC in the Seminar Center from 10:00am – 3:00pm and 4:00pm – 6:00pm. The Ardmore Development Authority says they're looking to fill a variety of roles - from operations to administration and from entry level to highly trained.