Soprema to add a dozen jobs with expansion
The agreement includes a 50 percent tax abatement for 12 years
Council has approved a tax incentive for Soprema as the company is planning an expansion that will create a dozen new jobs. Photo by EMILY CANNING-DEAN
WADSWORTH – With the promise of a dozen new jobs and an expansion, council approved legislation to enter into a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with Soprema.
The agreement includes a 50 percent tax abatement for 12 years on the expansion. In return, Soprema will create 12 new jobs with a new annual payroll of $311,000.
Service Director Robert Patrick said that Kathy Breitenbucher, a business development manager with the Medina County Economic Development Corporation, worked diligently to set up the agreement between the city and Soprema.
“She worked very hard putting it all together,” Patrick said. “It didn’t happen overnight.”
“Soprema had the option to build at two other facilities outside of the state of Ohio,” Breitenbucher said, adding that her office wanted to work hard to keep these dollars and jobs in the area.
Breitenbucher explained Soprema would use the facility to produce a rapid setting, high performing resin. Councilor Bruce Darlington wanted to know if this would cause problems with odor.
“I live out by the hospital and I get people calling not all the time, but every now and then saying ‘I smell Soprema today’ and occasionally we do,” he said. “I’m sure the EPA requires scrubbers, but sometimes there are upsets.”
Breitenbucher said Soprema spent $1 million last year mitigating odor issues and added they plan to spend more money this year.
“They are aware and are working hard to make sure there isn’t a problem for the neighborhood,” she said. “They work very closely with the EPA. They invite them in.”
Darlington said he understood, but wants to know more about the process so he can communicate that to residents.
“We can definitely reach out and get some more information,” Patrick said. “Soprema is reinvesting in the community. They have been a good community partner bringing jobs and income tax dollars to town.”
Breitenbucher also explained Soprema must create at least 12 jobs to be eligible for the CRA agreement. She said there will be reviews to make sure that happens.
“We go to the facility and tour the new place and talk to everyone involved,” she said.
The agreement includes a 50 percent tax abatement for 12 years on the expansion. In return, Soprema will create 12 new jobs with a new annual payroll of $311,000.
Service Director Robert Patrick said that Kathy Breitenbucher, a business development manager with the Medina County Economic Development Corporation, worked diligently to set up the agreement between the city and Soprema.
“She worked very hard putting it all together,” Patrick said. “It didn’t happen overnight.”
“Soprema had the option to build at two other facilities outside of the state of Ohio,” Breitenbucher said, adding that her office wanted to work hard to keep these dollars and jobs in the area.
Breitenbucher explained Soprema would use the facility to produce a rapid setting, high performing resin. Councilor Bruce Darlington wanted to know if this would cause problems with odor.
“I live out by the hospital and I get people calling not all the time, but every now and then saying ‘I smell Soprema today’ and occasionally we do,” he said. “I’m sure the EPA requires scrubbers, but sometimes there are upsets.”
Breitenbucher said Soprema spent $1 million last year mitigating odor issues and added they plan to spend more money this year.
“They are aware and are working hard to make sure there isn’t a problem for the neighborhood,” she said. “They work very closely with the EPA. They invite them in.”
Darlington said he understood, but wants to know more about the process so he can communicate that to residents.
“We can definitely reach out and get some more information,” Patrick said. “Soprema is reinvesting in the community. They have been a good community partner bringing jobs and income tax dollars to town.”
Breitenbucher also explained Soprema must create at least 12 jobs to be eligible for the CRA agreement. She said there will be reviews to make sure that happens.
“We go to the facility and tour the new place and talk to everyone involved,” she said.