Walinga USA, which only recently won entry into an industrial development district in Leighton Township, has announced intention to expand its business.

The project has been granted a $168,000 Micro Michigan Business Development Program grant.

The company, which makes pneumatic transportation systems and feed trailers, is seeing an increase in demand. It plans to purchase more land, build a new facility and renovate its existing facility at 1190 and and 1196 Electric Avenue off Division.

Walinga has 53 employees and hopes to add to the work force and add 36,000 square feet to a building on the premises.

The project will create 31 new jobs and generate a total capital investment of $8.3 million, according to the governor’s office.

The Township Board held a public hearing on the request earlier this year and heard no objections. The vote was 5-0 to approve Walinga’s request, which allowed the company to apply for an industrial facilities tax exemption, which sometimes can go as high as 12 years and 50% off taxes.