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GLADSTONE -- A dark cloud continues to hover over the economy, causing some businesses to go under, some to struggle, and leaving many people out of work.  But one area business has managed to thrive and even increase their staff.

Recently, both Rick Roll and John Trotter were out of work, searching for their next source of income.  But with rising demand and increased production, Independent Machine Company of Gladstone was able to hire them full-time, along with three other employees.

"I was very thankful," said Roll, "because there are so many people without jobs right now in Michigan."

"I hope I'm able to add a bit I guess, to the future here, allow them to grow and offer some experience, and we'll see what happens," explained Trotter.

Independent Machine Co. produces equipment used in the railroad industry such as gear boxes and plows.  They produce over 2,000 plows a year and production orders continue to grow.

Company Manger, Melvin Smith, feels the recent changes in the economy have made a positive impact on the railroad industry, making it cheaper to ship by rail.

"That has caused the railroad industry to be on one of its high peaks right now, and we believe that to be succeeding over the next 5 to 10 years," explained Smith.

Smith says sales have gone up nearly eight percent compared to this time last year.  He feels that's due to both an increase demand from local clients and some new business overseas.  Recently, the company shipped over 1,300 gear boxes to Great Britain.

Smith feels this is just the beginning of something big.

"This is one of our first major projects overseas, but we have others that we're working on right now," Smith said.

Smith says they have an even larger order to ship overseas in March, which will leave both new and old employees busy all winter long.