A Lawrence manufacturer has plans for an $18.5 million expansion that would add 80 jobs over the next three years, if it can win approval for a city tax abatement.

Officials with Amarr Garage Doors announced Tuesday that they have plans to build a 120,000 square foot expansion at their East Hills Business Park facility.

Hiring for the jobs would begin by the end of the year, and would primarily be manufacturing positions.

Lynn Parman, vice president of economic development for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said Lawrence is still competing with two other cities for the project. She said company officials have said Lawrence will be their final selection if a tax abatement for the project is approved.

Company officials are expected to file a request for a 10-year, 55 percent abatement with city officials on Wednesday.

Tune into 6News at 6 p.m. tonight and read the Journal-World on Wednesday for more details.

For any updates on this story, return to this site later, see the 6News report at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunflower Broadband’s channel 6 and pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Journal-World.