Ann Arbor SPARK’s Business Development team promotes the region’s unique assets to advance the economy through the attraction and retention of innovative businesses selling goods and services globally. Through continuous relations with company representatives, our team identifies and coordinates programs and incentives that can assist companies in their growth plans. Below, we highlight some of the most recent investments announced around the Ann Arbor region. These investments will help strengthen the Ann Arbor region’s economy by accelerating company growth and adding new jobs.
One of these firms who will be adding new talent is Arbor Networks, a Massachusetts based information technology security firm who operates its research and development office here in the City of Ann Arbor. The 78-person office will be undergoing a major investment after the company received a five-year tax abatement from the City of Ann Arbor in October. Our team walked the firm through the tax abatement process and helped them complete their application. This was crucial considering that that staff members responsible for the abatement were located in Massachusetts. The firm committed to making $883,527 in real property improvements and $7.8 million in new personal property and equipment investment. As part of the agreement, Arbor Networks committed to adding no less than 20 jobs by December 31, 2013.
DAPCO Industries is a family owned and operated company that has been in business in Dexter, Michigan since 1943. Today, DAPCO has become a leader in the small engine component industry. Our team completed the tax abatement application alongside DAPCO staff and prepared their team for the public hearing process. Our support throughout the process allowed DAPCO staff to continue to focus on their day-to-day responsibilities while we put their data into a formal application. The company was unanimously approved a 12-year tax abatement by the Dexter Village Council on November 28th. The abatement was for $1.286 million of investment in personal property and about $879,000 in real property improvements in the village. The company plans to add 8,500 square feet in factory space and ten jobs.
QED Environmental Systems, a supplier of environmental remediation products, moved into a larger building in the Village of Dexter’s industrial park earlier this year. Our team guided them through the tax abatement process and helped them complete their application. Our team’s support and recommendations were extremely useful so that QED staff could focus on maintaining business throughout their move. The company was granted a ten-year tax abatement in November by the Dexter Village Council. The firm also has offices in Pennsylvania and California but chose to make their investment of $104,498 in new personal property and $758,043 in machinery and equipment here in Michigan. The company, which employs 49 employees, is expected to add five new jobs over the next two years, according to the tax abatement application.
