JLG Industries say they are thinking about re-opening their Bedford plant. County officials say it is a great time to be in Bedford.

Plant closings hit our region hard. When jobs disappear, locals tend to have to travel for work. So when word gets out that a plant might re-open, good news fills the air that the local workers might get to stay local once again.

Sources say JLG has experienced substantial growth in the past year, which is pointing them toward re-opening in Bedford. Although the company hasn't given a definite thumbs up yet, County Commissioner Steve Howsare says the company has been running adds in the local paper. He says they've had a positive outlook for a while now.

I think it's great. We've been hearing rumors for probably about a year now and all signs seem to indicate that is going to happen. We're just not sure exactly when, says Commissioner Howsare.

JLG will make a decision about whether or not to re-open the plant either next week or at the first of the year.

Rich Klindworth, Channel 6 News.