LOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- So often we hear about coal miners losing their jobs. With the industry struggling, it's surprising to hear that a mining equipment company is actually expanding.

“We're able to repair all aspects of underground mining equipment,” George Lukacs, the chief operating officer at Mining Repair Specialists, said.

For the past 26 years, the Logan County company has been fixing machines for mines.

With the coal industry not what it was when this company's doors opened, the owners Ronnie and Diana Barnette wanted to do their part to help.

“There's been a downturn in the coal market, but that doesn't mean it's not going to be here. We think it's going to be a great investment,” Diana Barnette said.

The investment involves a $2 million expansion.

Once the new building is complete, it will be filled with brand new equipment. This will help the coal industry by making parts faster and for a cheaper cost.

At the same time, it's also helping Mining Repair Specialists because that same equipment can be used to build parts for other industries besides coal.

“We can tap into other industries like government contracts, military contracts and also maybe the aerospace industry.

“It’s a two-fold strategy,” Lukacs said. “We want to be able to support the mining industry like we always have, and yet this same equipment we can use to go after those new markets.”

Mining Repair Specialists hopes to add about 10 jobs during the next couple of years.

The new factory will be up and running sometime this April.