PONTIAC -- The Pontiac City Council heard Monday that a Colfax-based business is looking to move to the city.

Delbert Robinson, who co-owns AW Dynamometer Inc. with sons Jon and Chris, said he had purchased the building that had housed Shanebrook Graphics at 1001 W. North St. Robinson said he would like to move his business there because it has outgrown its location in Colfax.

"We have had more than enough bad news over the last couple of years, and it is nice to know that someone is willing to come here with 20 new jobs," Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell said.

Johnson said AW Dynamometer is a leading maker of dynamometers, devices that measure the horsepower and torque of an engine. His company's equipment is used worldwide by companies such as John Deere and Caterpillar Inc.

"We have just grown every year," Robinson said.

The new location could open within nine months to a year, he said.

"When we come to Pontiac, we are not going to be here for just two years or five years," he said. "We are looking for longevity."

However, Robinson said the deal is not yet finalized.

The company estimates moving and site renovation costs could exceed $500,000. He said the company would need to move 20 large machines to the area and renovate nearly every aspect of the building.

Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell said the city has been talking with Robinson about the project for the last six months.

No action was taken Monday night because the plans have not yet been finalized.

Robinson addressed the council to see if the city could use the city's tax increment financing district to help cover the transition costs. A TIF district diverts increases in property tax revenue from developments in the district into a fund for infrastructure and economic incentives.

Robinson also said the business plans to expand and possibly merge with other, complementary businesses.