By K.D. Norris
The City of Kentwood, after city commission action at its Feb. 6 meeting, approved an Industrial Development District and a tax abatement request that will bring an expanding industrial robotics company to the city.
Axis Company LLC, which has a current facility in Walker, intends to built a new 67,000 square foot facility at 4195 44th Street SE, with a total cost of the new facility of about $4 million and with the intent to hire 50 new local jobs, according to the city.
Axis Company is a robotic automation systems programmer, according to information supplied by the city. The company uses advanced technologies to conceptualize, design, integrate, deploy, and service custom factory automation systems.
“We look forward to working with Axis Company in the coming months as it expands into Kentwood,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said to WKTV. “We’re excited that another advanced manufacturing company is moving into our community. The skilled workforce and our diverse community make Kentwood a great place for any business to call home. Axis Company’s decision is another testament to Kentwood being open for business.”
The action by the city commission followed a public hearing on the proposed city actions. Other than city staff, Boyd Vor Broker, CEO of Axis Company, was the only person to speak at the public hearing.
An Industrial Development District allows local governments to allow exemption of certain taxes as an incentive to industries to build new facilities in the city. The $4 million project will have about $3,750,00 eligible for property tax abatement.
According to the city, the city will forgo approximately $9,005 in the first year of the abatement as a result of the project.
Complete information on the Axis Company action, and all actions planned and taken by the Kentwood Commission, can be read as part of the city Commission’s informational package for the Feb. 6, 2018 meeting. The Commission’s agendas, meeting information packages and meeting minutes are available on the city’s website .
