Explanation
BACKGROUND: The need exists to enter into an Enterprise Zone Agreement with RM Biltrite LLC (“RM Biltrite”) and Watkins Road LLC. The Ohio Enterprise Zone law O.R.C. Section 5709.62(C) requires the City to enter into a Council-approved agreement between the City and participating companies.
Based out of Sandy Springs, Georgia, RM Biltrite is a company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of rubber sheeting, matting, flooring, thermoplastics, and a wide variety of industrial rubber products. The company offices are located in the USA, Netherlands, China, India, and Thailand, while their thermoplastics manufacturing facility is located in Chelsea, Massachusetts. RM Biltrite has over 185 years of combined experience with the design, development, and contract manufacturing of a large assortment of rubber and plastic products. Watkins Road LLC is a real estate holding company that was recently formed for the purposes of acquiring, owning, developing and selling real estate.
RM Biltrite and Watkins Road LLC are proposing to invest a total project cost of approximately $11,470,500, which includes $4,705,500 in acquisition cost, $1,650,000 in real property improvements, $5,000,000 in machinery and equipment, $100,000 in furniture and fixtures, and $15,000 in stand-alone computers to acquire, renovate and redevelop a vacant industrial warehouse distribution facility consisting of approximately 177,566 square feet at 1635 Watkins Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207, parcel number 010-001860 (“Project Site”). RM Biltrite will be the tenant and employer of record, and enter into a lease agreement with Watkins Road LLC to expand and relocate its operations facility to the proposed Project Site. Additionally, the company will retain 1 full-time employee with an associated annual payroll of approximately $85,000 and create 40 net new full-time permanent positions with an estimated annual payroll of approximately $1,677,740 at the Project Site.
The De...
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