Tax deal lifts up LEWCO

SANDUSKY — Officials believe a deal involving a longstanding local business benefits everyone at the negotiating table and beyond, including those living in Sandusky. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners provided LEWCO on Lane Street, between First and Third streets, with a tax break so it can pursue a multimillion-dollar investment. "LEWCO Inc. is expanding manufacturing capacity to meet rapidly growing demand for its industrial oven products as well as to accommodate conveyor product growth," according to a city statement, noting this project should begin soon and end by September. "The company plans to invest over $7.5 million in the project and create 38 new full-time employment positions with a total annual new payroll of $2.7 million estimated at this site," the statement read. To accommodate the project, LEWCO — whose city origins date back to 1917 — received a 75% break on property taxes based on the increased/new value from construction/improvements at this site over a 10-year period. Regarding the other 25%, it will be assessed in full during this same time frame. These types of deals "provide incentives to private enterprise to promote and encourage expansion of business for the creation and/or preservation of jobs and economic development," city community development director Colleen Gilson said. Speaking up Jude Guerra, LEWCO's vice president of sales and procurement, spoke about this deal's importance: • Why it occurred: "LEWCO is making this investment to meet rapidly increasing demand for its industrial oven products. Order volume has grown significantly across multiple markets, particularly aerospace, defense and manufacturers of equipment for the electrical power grid. These products are typically large, requiring considerable floor space." • What this investment entails: "This is a capital investment focused on facility expansion, manufacturing capability and workforce growth. It includes a building addition, new equipment and upgrades to production infrastructure that support long-term strategic growth." • How does it benefit the company: "The expansion provides several key benefits: increased production capacity to support a growing customer base, improved operational efficiency and material flow, (the) ability to scale innovative technologies, support for continued job growth and long-term competitiveness (and the) enhanced ability to serve customers with shorter lead times and greater product availability. This investment strengthens LEWCO's market position and ensures we remain a leading U.S. manufacturer." • How does it benefit the community: "The Sandusky community benefits through the: — Retention of 100-plus manufacturing jobs — Creation of 38 new full-time jobs — Increased tax revenue supporting community services — Expanded opportunities for local suppliers and service providers"