The Plymouth City Council members approved a resolution Monday that confirms the adoption of a declaratory resolution designating real estate as an Economic Revitalization Area for purposes of real and personal property tax abatement for Zentis North America, LLC.
During a previous meeting, Zentis Chief Senior Purchasing Manager Chris Siebenhaar told the Plymouth City Council that their primary production of fruit prep will go beyond that scope with a proposed expansion project. Officials there plan to include refurbished equipment and other equipment to accommodate the new innovation, but the specific function was not mentioned during the meeting.
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jerry Chavez said the investment is about $6.5 million. No new buildings are anticipated and no additional property will be purchased in this venture. About 22 new jobs are expected with this expansion to add to the current 225 roster of full-time employees.
City Councilman Greg Compton proposed an amendment to include a 10 percent phase-in tax abatement over the next 10 years as approved in a 2012 abatement for the company, as opposed to a 100 percent abatement. Chavez explained the 100 percent abatement is an incentive to support a large-scale expansion project to benefit the community.
When it came to a vote, Compton’s amendment failed for the lack of a second. The original proposal passed on a vote of 6-1 with Compton opposed.
