From the Elkhart Truth:
The Elkhart County Council unanimously supported requests Saturday morning from Champagne Metals LLC and Automotive Climate Control Inc. The two companies are seeking tax phase-ins to defray the cost of expansion.
Champagne Metals has asked for a nine-year tax phase-in as part of its plans to move to the Greenfield Industrial Park in York Township. The company manufactures metal sheets for gas tanks and recreational vehicle trailers among other products.
The company, which has four employees, plans to create 39 new full-time jobs with annual salaries adding up to $1.78 million.
Champagne Metals estimates that redevelopment will be $4.9 million. The value of the company’s personal property is $5.3 million, which includes new manufacturing tools, furniture and computer equipment.
Automotive Climate Control has requested a tax phase-in over the next eight years. The company, which supplies air conditioning and heating systems for vehicles, has been at 22428 Elkhart East Blvd. in Elkhart since 2006. The company has 51 employees and plans to add 40 full-time positions as a result of the proposed expansion. The additional annual salaries are estimated at $1.46 million.
“I feel very blessed as I see companies shutting doors, leaving the area and laying people off while our business has grown,” said Scott Hamilton, the company’s operations manager.
Automotive Climate Control values its redevelopment of real estate at $920,000. The company’s personal property is worth roughly $4 million, according to the resolution.
The two requests will be back for final approval May 19 at the county council meeting.
http://www.etruth.com/article/20120415/NEWS01/704159910
