Redevelopment commission approves proposed personal-property tax abatement for Panduit Sales Corp.

The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission voted 4–0 to approve Resolution 25‑07, recommending a proposed personal-property tax abatement for Panduit Sales Corporation for equipment at its distribution center at 9945 Mississippi Street.

The motion to approve was made by Councilor Uzelak and seconded by Councilor Haynes Edwards. Angie (staff) conducted the roll call: Councilor Chandler Felton, Councilor Haynes Edwards, Councilor Uzelak and Councilor Pettit voted aye; the motion carried 4 to 0.

Angie read the staff report into the record. According to the report, the property is a distribution center described as 475,000 square feet on 54 acres at 9945 Mississippi Street. The staff report said Panduit has made a total investment of $76,000,525, including construction costs of $43,000,300; land costs of $10,000,475; manufacturing equipment of $17,000,050; and furniture, fixtures and technology estimated at $5,000,700. The staff report said Panduit anticipates 130 to 150 new permanent jobs with an annual payroll of $7,300,000.

Lars Forsgren, a representative of Panduit, addressed the commission and said, “we will hire about 130 to 150 people,” and described the company’s plan to make a long-term commitment at the Merrillville site. The commission’s approval is the commission’s recommendation to the town council; staff said if the commission and council approve the final resolution after the required public notice, the abatement would take effect following that council action.

Staff told the commission there will be a preliminary resolution and an advertised public hearing; the meeting record sets the public hearing for March 11 for final action, if approved as recommended.