Manufacturing continues to provide an economic bolster to Mansfield as indicated by the various economic development projects that were begun and/or completed in 2016.In Tuesday's state of the city address for 2016, Mayor Tim Theaker noted the activity in the economic development office overall was higher than it has been for the past eight to nine years."The area saw considerably more activity in the way of investment in small businesses during 2016, and it appears that 2017 will be even better," Theaker stated. Contributing to that activity was Newman Technology, which constructed an 80,000 square-foot facility, acquired tube manufacturing equipment and created five full-time jobs for an investment of $7.5 million.Jay Industries had multiple projects that included expansions of the Jay Plastics and Taylor Metal Products facilities.Carroll Fabrication, a new computer numerical control machining business, acquired the remaining building at the former Ohio Brass site. The company has purchased new CNC machining equipment and created 14 full-time jobs for an investment of approximately $500,000.Hess Industries renovated the building at 108 Sawyer Parkway and purchased new CNC machining centers which created two full-time jobs for an investment of $1.5 million.Ohio Valley Manufacturing began an expansion project at its Swarn Parkway welding facility, which will be completed in the second quarter of 2017. The expansion will create five full-time jobs. The business has also increased employment at its main plant by adding 20 new employees.The 84 Lumber Company purchased the former Roberts and Dybdahl buildings on North Main Street and will invest approximately $2 million in renovations and purchase equipment for a truss-making operation. An estimated 58 full-time jobs will be created within the first year of operation.Cement Products demolished two deteriorating buildings and fully renovated an existing building into a new office space and showroom. The company projects it will create three to four new full-time jobs by the end of the second quarter of 2017 for an investment of $1 million.TLC Kanvas purchased the former Grainger building on National Parkway and relocated from Bellville to Mansfield, bringing 20 full-time employees. The company anticipates adding five full-time jobs this year for an investment of $500,000.