The Canada-based company recently completed a 240,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Milton, located approximately 20 miles north of Burlington, representing an $80 million investment and bringing more than 200 new jobs to the area.

As a global supplier of injection molding systems to the plastics industry, the company looked at several sites in the United States before choosing Vermont.

"We took a tour of the usual places - the Carolinas, Virginia, and we also looked at Baltimore," said Dirk Schlimm, Husky's vice president of human resources. "But for us, the competitive advantage was finding a place where we could attract and retain people. In our business we look for key talent worldwide. We've found there are a lot of people who left Vermont because of a lack of opportunities who want to return."

Husky is one of 46 companies, representing an estimated $996 million in growth over the next 10 years, participating in Vermont's new performance-based tax incentive program.

Software company keeps roots in Vermont

While Husky represents a major new employer to the state, IDX Systems Corp. is a Vermont-based business that has grown into a leader in its industry.

Now the nation's third-largest health care software company, IDX recently announced a $30 million expansion at its South Burlington headquarters that will add 230,000 square feet to the facility and create 700 to 1,000 jobs over the next five years.

Company spokesperson Tracey Moran said IDX considered sites outside Vermont. "We did look outside the state because of our need to grow and expand, but our desire was always to stay here," Moran said. "We preferred to expand in Vermont primarily because this is where the company was founded, and we have a huge commitment to the state. Also, Vermont provides the quality of life that works to attract the type of employees we want."

Moran said tax incentives, such as a payroll tax credit and sales tax exemption, also played a part in the company's decision to expand in Vermont.