ANDERSON – Three buildings that have sat vacant for several years will soon be the home of companies locating in Anderson that will create 236 jobs over the next three years.
The Anderson City Council on Thursday set public hearings for Nov. 9 on requested tax abatements under the eligible vacant building clause in the state law.
“These are quality jobs,” City Attorney Tim Lanane said.
“This is an example of what can happen when we work together,” he said of the council members working with the administration of Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr.
Kleenco, headquartered in Alexandria, is expanding its Madison County operations into the former Weidner Chevrolet and AutoWorld building, 2603 N. Broadway. The property has been vacant since 2014.
The council is considering a 10-year tax abatement on an investment of $519,500 that will create 220 new jobs by 2020 with an annual payroll of $10.3 million.
“I’ve waited a long time to bring this before you,” Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said. “I’m excited about this opportunity.”
Noah Rosen, president of Kleenco, said the company, which started operations in 1987, is excited about the expansion into north Anderson.
“We want to play a role in the development of the area,” he said.
Rosen said the company is working with an architect to finalize plans for the facility that will house offices and shops for the maintenance and construction company.
The company currently has 156 Indiana employees and will retain its presence in Alexandria.
FF&S SOLUTIONS
FF&S Solutions is consolidating its current warehouse operation and corporate offices in Noblesville at a vacant building in the Flagship Enterprise Center.
The printing company provides services to financial institutions and produces promotional items for businesses.
The council will consider a six-year tax abatement on an investment of $3.3 million at the facility at 3019 Enterprise Drive.
Jeff Williams said he started with the company, founded in 1986, as a warehouse worker and delivery driver eventually working in sales and doubling the size of the company.
“Five years ago we started looking for space to house our offices and warehouse,” he said. “We found it difficult to operate in two locations.”
The company currently has 37 employees and is looking to hire 10 additional people at $12.50 per hour.
Company officials said they have already hired four people at a pay rate higher than anticipated.
FF&S currently has a payroll of $1 million and expects to increase that by $210,000 by the end of 2018.
CHINESE RESTAURANT
The council will consider a three-year tax abatement for the opening of a Chinese restaurant in the former Rax building on the southeast corner of Main and 11th streets.
Zu Jin Li is requesting the abatement on an investment of $148,100 with plans to open the restaurant in November.
The restaurant expects to hire six employees with an annual payroll of $93,600.