Whitehall manufacturer plans expansion

WHITEHALL — Hilite International, a global auto parts manufacturer, is planning a $1.44 million expansion of its production operations in the Whitehall Industrial Park.
The company's Whitehall Division has been granted a 12-year tax abatement on improvements related to the expansion by the Whitehall City Council. The tax break, which begins in 2009, reduces by 50 percent the tax on the company's new equipment.
Work on the expansion at the facility at 2001 Peach is nearly complete. A local company official said the plan is to have the new equipment operational this month.
Melissa Meikle, controller for Hilite's Whitehall Division, said the new assembly line is necessary to accommodate increased demand from customers, including a contract expansion with General Motors. When the equipment is operational, employees will produce a camphasing valve used in engines.
"The demand has doubled," Meikle said.
Hilite's Whitehall Division serves as a development and production location with a focus on hydraulic valves, integrated solenoids and camphasing systems.
The expansion is expected to generate 11 new full-time jobs within two years and will help the company retain 14 jobs. The company employs about 190 people.
The city established some standards that must be met by the company or revocation of the tax abatement could result. Those standards include maintaining employment at no less than 192 employees and keeping the new equipment in the local facility.
Formerly Hilite International Acutex, the company received a 12-year tax abatement in 2003 on $3.5 million in equipment purchased for a new product line.
Tax abatements are given to industries in an effort to spur employment or maintain employees and to keep industries from moving to communities where they can operate cheaper. The 50 percent cut in taxes applies to all taxing authorities, including schools and the county.
本文转自：China Industry News
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