ELKHART -- The maker of Entenmann's, Thomas' English Muffins and Boboli pizza crust wants to bake here, but first it wants a bite taken out of its taxes.
George Weston Bakeries Inc. is seeking Elkhart County government's first-ever tax abatement for a proposed $48 million fresh-baked goods plant between Elkhart and the Indiana Toll Road. It would bring about 100 jobs.
If approved, it would be the largest project ever given an abatement in the county, dwarfing those in cities and towns. It wouldn't be the largest overall tax break, though, because of the lower county tax rate.
Of course, approval is a big if.
When a local company asked for an abatement this spring, it withdrew the request when it appeared headed for rejection. County commissioners said then they didn't see the point in giving breaks and competing with cities for business development.
Pennsylvania-based George Weston Bakeries, through its affiliate, Allen Foods Inc., applied Monday. Representatives have been talking with local business leaders for about six months.
"They do a lot of business in Chicago. Obviously with the toll road in this area, that's a big deal. ... That was a big selling point," said Bill Bradley, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County.
Bradley's group heard of the company through the Indiana Department of Commerce and showed an out-of-state site selector locations here. The place they've chosen is north of the city, but Bradley wouldn't say exactly where.
The project includes $33 million in high-tech equipment, Bradley said, which means the company is planning to stay long term.
He said it meets the his group's goal of diversifying the local economy and providing good-paying, high-skill jobs.
Nabbing a company like this could be the yeast for further economic growth, bringing similar businesses here, he added.
Under a tax abatement, the company would pay no county taxes its first year and a gradually increasing fraction the next few years. Earlier this year, Benteler Automotive got an abatement from Goshen officials on a $41 million project, saving the company an estimated $2.1 million in the next 10 years.