Providence, RI (July 25, 2005) - Citizens Bank of Rhode Island President and CEO Joseph J. MarcAurele today announced that LFI, Inc., a laser based service provider to multiple industries, has been awarded a Citizens Bank Job Bank loan for $400,000 to create 10 new jobs at its headquarters in Smithfield.
Citizens Bank announced the creation of the Citizens Job Bank back in February. The goal is to create more than 2,500 new jobs throughout New England. The new loan pool requires borrowers to create a minimum of one full-time job for every $40,000 borrowed at the fixed interest rate of 3.5 percent (2 3/4 percent below prime). The jobs must be created within three years after the funds are borrowed.
"Citizens Bank is committed to job creation in Rhode Island and we're proud to serve as a financial engine to create new jobs in the state," said Joseph J. MarcAurele, President & CEO of Citizens Bank. "LFI, Inc. is creating 10 good-paying jobs that will positively impact the local economy, which is our goal in creating the Citizens Job Bank."
LFI, Inc. specializes in contract manufacturing, particularly in the medical device, aircraft engine, automotive and turbine industries. The company uses laser technology to cut, drill, weld and engrave metals, polymers and other materials.
"We would like to thank Citizens Bank for giving us the opportunity to grow our business here in Rhode Island," said Roland Benjamin, Vice President and Treasurer of LFI, Inc. "The loan from Citizens Bank will allow us to expand our facility, increase production and hire new workers."
The Citizens Job Bank's minimum loan size is $240,000 and the maximum is $10 million. Companies eligible for the program include any public or privately owned business in a broad array of industry sectors, including manufacturing, information technology and life sciences.
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) will conduct annual audits to certify that borrowers fulfill job creation commitments. The agency will also market the program to companies already in Rhode Island and those businesses considering relocating to the Ocean State.
"Today's announcement represents the continued progress of the Citizens Job Bank program," said Michael McMahon, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. "The spirit of this program is being realized in all corners of the state. LFI, Inc. is a wonderful example of the vibrancy of Rhode Island's small business community and the growth these companies are experiencing at this point in time. LFI's continued growth also highlights the innovation that is occurring within our state's manufacturing sector."
Companies interested in obtaining more information about the program can visit blueskyri.com or call 1-888-358-0100 (Citizens Bank) or 1-401-222-2601 (RI EDC).
Citizens Bank of Rhode Island, with $11 billion in assets, 78 branches and 145 ATMs, has the largest branch banking network in Rhode Island. It is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $137 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 3,100 ATMs and approximately 26,000 employees in a 13-state retail branch network and non-branch offices in more than 30 states. Citizens is the eighth-largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits. Citizens is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc).