Hitchiner Manufacturing Co. Inc. plans to invest $50 million to expand its New Hampshire operations. The project calls for the construction of a new 85,000-square-foot facility and the creation of approximately 85 new jobs. Hitchiner Manufacturing produces investment castings for the aerospace, defense and automotive industries.

The expansion, which is scheduled to begin this year, will strengthen Hitchiner’s position as an industrial supplier. The facility will house operations to support new growth in markets the company currently serves. Using vacuum and air melt capabilities, Hitchiner’s processes are well-matched to the high-temperature, high-pressure applications demanded by today’s trends toward increased fuel efficiency and tightening environmental controls.