Jet Polymer Recycling didn’t just take over a struggling company when they acquired United Plastic Recycling. They also took over a work force of local plant employees, many of whom had been here for decades.

That was in January. Over the course of the year, Jet Polymer has spent $5 million on a remodel of its Montgomery facilities and created 37 new jobs. It’s gone to round-the-clock operation at one facility and plans to do the same at a second facility, with another $3 million in investment and 30 more jobs coming down the road.

Its leaders said that’s thanks to the work force that was already in place.

“There were 83 people that we were able to retain through the acquisition, and those people have just worked diligently to make the transition from UPR to Jet Polymer,” Jet Polymer Vice President Brian Denton said. He pointed to a worker who plans to retire this month after 24 years at the plant. “The vision’s only finished when you have folks like that here to help us carry it out.”

Jet Polymer’s new jobs were among 643 added this year by existing businesses in Montgomery. Those expansions made up the bulk of the city’s job additions over the year, which totaled 1,056, excluding retail and a few other sectors.

City, county and Montgomery Chamber of Commerce officials led a tour of some of those expanding companies Friday, applauding their long-term commitment to the area.

That included a stop at Regitar U.S.A., which makes automotive and electrical components. It announced a $2.2 million expansion and 15 new jobs on the same year that its Montgomery plant celebrated its 30th birthday.

Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange pointed out that the company was here before the auto manufacturing boom. “You were doing automotive and electrical (work) before it was cool,” Strange told workers at the plant.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United announced plans for $28 million in investment and 48 new jobs at its two Montgomery facilities. That includes a fourth production line dedicated to Dasani water and a major warehouse expansion.

It expects to finish both projects by summer.

“Work has already begun,” said Allen Smoot, director of the company’s South Alabama Division.