BUSINESS

MANCHESTER - A recent tour of six manufacturing plants for state legislators sought to highlight the firms' fears that the Legislature may seek to balance the state's deficit budget on their backs.

MERRIMACK - At a time when manufacturing plants are struggling to make ends meet, OZTEK Corp. is thriving after landing its biggest contract in the company's 12-year history.

> OZTEK Corp. Web site

MANCHESTER - The loosening of credit at GMAC has consumers shopping and dealers hopeful.

PORTSMOUTH - Like a floating playground, giant high-tech geodesic chambers called AquaPods offer maturation for the muiltitudes -- and give fish a scenic alternative to onshore farm living.

MANCHESTER - New-car buyers would be eligible under the unusual policy if they encounter "life-altering circumstances'' within a year of purchase.