A handful of local companies landed big and lucrative government contracts at this year's Showcase For Commerce.

Rep. John Murtha said nearly $16.5 billion in contracts and awards will go to companies like Martin Baker and Lockheed Martin.

The latter plans to buy CTC's manufacturing facility in Industrial Park. The deal is expected to create 165 new jobs.

Murtha attributed the contract and others like it to the work ethic in the area and said hardworking people make cost-effective products.

Johnstown Weldning Fabrication Industries is hiring back most of the workers they laid off in February.

"It's very exciting to be in that postion in this economic time and say we're growing when companies across the countryare closing their doors," said John Polacek of JWF.

Martin-Baker America already hired an extra ten people. Company officials are excited they're creating new opportunities and boosting their current staff's morale.

"What it gives us is stability over a long period of time," said Mike Santoro of Martin-Baker America.

One company that was not able to obtain a government contract is Kuchera, which is under investigation. When asked about the Kuchera scandal, Murtha said, "So, what's that to do with me."