EJ (East Jordan, Michigan) was approved for a property-tax incentive to build its new facility near Elmira, Michigan.
According to a report from the Petoskey News, Warner (Michigan) Township approved the incentive unanimously. The abatement, the report said, would lower property taxes on a $39 million part of EJ’s planned $125 million investment, with the assistance coming over a 12-year period.
The company’s 350 employees are expected to be retained.
“Warner Township’s approval of the application for tax abatement is key to our ability to move forward on building the new foundry near Elmira. Our current plan is to break ground in the spring,” Tracy Malpass, president, EJ, told the Petoskey News. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our legacy of manufacturing in Northern Michigan and being a good corporate citizen, which now includes Warner Township.”
Earlier reports said the company will upgrade its facilities and “phase out” its current location. The new plant will be “state of the art." EJ has said it plans to keep its corporate headquarters, pattern shop, product development group, water products and Northern Michigan sales offices at their current locations.
According to the report, the abatement is expected to be worth more than $6 million, though it must still be approved by the state.
“This is really a pretty excellent project for our area because it keeps a longtime, really high-quality employer in our area," Andy Hayes, president, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, said according to the report.