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A Missouri-based manufacturing company is opening a facility in Montgomery County.

Representatives from Atlas 46, a company based out of Fenton, Missouri, announced Wednesday afternoon that they will open a second manufacturing facility in Hillsboro. Company CEO Brian Carver said their business was facing a labor problem and they had to decide either to expand onto their current structure or open a second facility. They opted for the latter.

According to Vice President of Marketing Adam Laug, the company manufacturers military-quality apparel for construction and trade workers. He also said they will be renovating a building on Berry Street with the hopes of completing the project by early February.

Both Litchfield and Hillsboro made offers to bring the company to their respective cities, and Atlas 46 eventually decided on Hillsboro. After the announcement, Mayor Brian Sullivan expressed how excited he and other area officials were after learning of the news.

"We're very excited for Hillsboro and the entire area because (Atlas 46) is going to be hiring from anywhere near us. This is a big opportunity for the entire Montgomery and Macoupin area. It's something we've been working on for a while, and it's great to see a Missouri company moving to Illinois. The Illinois DCEO really stepped up to make this happen."

The decision was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Montgomery County Growth Initiative a group of citizens focused on finding ways to attract businesses to the county. Prior to signing the certificate of intent to open in Hillsboro, Carver thanked Bob Buda, who was instrumental in the committee's effort.

As to why Atlas 46 chose Montgomery County, Carver said the area's character played a big factor.

"We like the character and charm of the area. We like the people of the area, and we like the (restoration) of some of the old buildings and hopefully getting with the town and creating a great community."