A grant to purchase a new machine could lead to additional work at TEMCO Inc., a sheltered workshop for individuals with disabilities. Last Thursday, a presentation was held at TEMCO, located outside of Marthasville on Highway D, where the not-for-profit corporation received a $40,000 grant from the USDA Rural Development's business enterprise program. The money will be used to purchase a new shrink wrap packaging machine. Robert Engemann, executive director/general manager, noted this was the first federal grant received at TEMCO. "We are very appreciative," Engemann said. "It will be a big difference in the life of our industry here." Attending last week's ceremony were Warren County commissioners, Marthasville Area Chamber of Commerce officials, Warren County Developmental Disabilities board members and representatives from the Emmaus Homes and U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill's office. Also on hand were USDA Rural Development officials including Janie Dunning, state director; Terry Luetkemeyer, area director; and Jack Kearbey, area specialist. Before the check presentation, Dunning said she was glad to see TEMCO benefit from one of USDA's 40-plus programs. "I am very proud that you are able to use $40,000 of grant money for such a worthwhile project," she said. "We hope this is just the beginning of a relationship. We want to be a part of helping you make the programs in your community a success." Luetkemeyer added: "We've had the opportunity in the last couple of years to get involved with grants to some of the sheltered workshops over our 17-county area. It's always a pleasure to do business with a sheltered workshop. The stuff they do and people they help is absolutely wonderful. We are very pleased to be here today." The new shrink wrapping machine will be used to package about any item, Engemann said, including shampoo and shaving cream combo packs and paper products. The company currently leases a used model. TEMCO's primary source of funding is from its subcontracting work. The rest of its funding comes from the United Way, the Warren County Developmental Disabilities Board, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and donations, according to Engemann. "This is great," Engemann said. "We're going to buy a bigger, better and newer version. We want to keep our people busy and productively working and contributing members of our society. This is a great partnership." The work from contracted jobs, received from companies across the nation, includes small parts assembly and packaging. Some of the current jobs at TEMCO include packaging for T-shirts and hospital rail beds and putting together transformer parts. TEMCO, established in 1971, is one of 93 sheltered workshops in the state. The company employs 59 individuals with disabilities, most of whom live in Warren County. A few of the employed individuals live in the city of Washington and St. Charles County.