DECATUR - A new state-of-the-art chemical manufacturing plant broke ground in Decatur on Monday, promising up to 60 new jobs and demonstrating the kind of economic development that could pave a bright future for the city and region.

NSR Technologies is sinking $7.5 million into its new plant on a 5.5-acre site off Brush College Road. Construction begins now and is expected to be completed by the fall. The plant will employ up to 30 people initially with the potential for up to 60 on the payroll as projected expansions take place over five years.

The plant will produce chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and NSR found the Decatur site's chemistry appealing because it's close to major customers including Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Tate & Lyle, who both use vast quantities of the acid and other chemicals in their production process.

New Jersey-based NSR is a new company using innovative manufacturing and resource-recycling technologies developed by its president and chief executive officer, Kris Mani, who holds a doctorate in chemical engineering and once worked for ADM.

"Our first groundbreaking today is a demonstration of a commitment to innovation and technology and to our customers and investors," Mani said. "And equally important, it reflects a commitment by your - government agencies and an ability to work together to build a strong business climate."

The catalyst that lured his firm to Decatur was cooked up in a joint effort involving both city and county government along with the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

In cooperation, they developed a package of incentives that involved extending the Decatur-Macon County enterprise zone and offering state and local tax breaks and other benefits to finally make NSR an offer it couldn't refuse.

Craig Coil, president of the economic development corporation, said negotiations with NSR had been a long three-year process but the results were worth it. His agency has now been involved in efforts over the last two years that have created or retained 2,200 jobs amid private capital investments of more than $50 million in the Decatur and Macon County area.

"So we don't see today's groundbreaking as a start, we look at it as an ongoing type of thing," Coil said. "And NSR is just the kind of company we're looking for, and we're pleased to welcome them here."

Among those wielding shovels to help Mani and Coil break the sod of a former farmer's field were state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, and Decatur Mayor Paul Osborne.

"It's a good day to be mayor of the city of Decatur," Osborne said. "This is what Decatur is about now - we're moving forward on the cutting edge of technology."

Monday's ceremony also demonstrated the world of business and finance crossing state lines to make projects happen locally. Major financing for the NSR plant is coming from the State Bank of Texas, which is owned by Chan Patel, a man of Indian descent like the owner of NSR.

"I am in business to make money but, as an Indian, one of our goals when we established this bank was to make Indians' dreams come true," Patel explained. "So, I am from Texas, and Texas has now come to Illinois to make this man's dream come true today."

One of those applauding Patel's remarks Monday was Terry Stoa, vice president of technology assessment for ADM. He said his company will act as a magnet for attracting new businesses such as NSR as technological innovation creates more economic opportunities.

"The new NSR plant is a good deal for everyone," Stoa said. "And we're excited for Dr. Mani."

Tony Reid can be reached at treid@herald-review.com or 421-7977.