CLINTON - A new $4 million expansion project will lead to more production and more jobs for a Clinton custom dermatological care packaging company. Chim Potini, vice president of research and development with HNC Products, 283 Cromwell Drive, said the company plans to build an additional 40,000-square-foot building. If all goes well, it could be ready for use by March.

HNC Products provides formulation development, contract filling, clinical packaging and labeling for various cosmetic ointments, lotions, creams and gels.

"We think we will be more efficient with a new building and we view it as a sign of progress," Potini said. "We're committed to this site and look forward to adding more jobs and more production."

Currently, the company employs 40 people. In the spring, three to five new jobs could be added.

Last week, the company opened a new employee parking area and truck entrance. Construction crews were preparing the ground for the foundation on the new building which is expected to be in place in November.

"Of course, it depends on the weather, like any construction," Potini said. "If we have a mild winter, particularly in the beginning, we will be in good shape."

General Manager Mark Moroni said the expansion will pave the way for more growth.

The extra space from the new building will provide more than 100,000 square feet of usable work space, Potini said.

"It will boost our production capacity by about 30 percent and will accommodate new filling and packing equipment," he said.