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Commission approves five‑year tax exemption as Corvent Medical expands ventilator manufacturing in Fargo
Summary
City approved a five‑year property tax exemption for Corvent Medical’s expanded operations at Amber Valley Parkway, citing job creation and payroll growth; the company says it is the only U.S.‑owned mechanical ventilator manufacturer remaining and expects to ship about 500 ventilators this year.
The Fargo City Commission voted to grant a five‑year property tax exemption to Corvent Medical to support expansion of manufacturing, storage and handling operations at 4837 Amber Valley Parkway South.
Jim Gilbert, who presented the item, said the company had previously received an initial exemption in 2023 and is returning because it is expanding manufacturing and wholesale operations, adding 12 jobs. "They've already exceeded their job creation numbers — they're currently employing 42," Ryan Asse of the Greater Fargo Market Economic Development Corporation said. "Their average salary is currently over $140,000," he added, citing company figures.
Richard Walsh, CEO of Corvent Medical, told the commission the company relocated from California to Fargo, has staffed with local NDSU and UND interns and graduates, and "we are now the only US owned and operated mechanical ventilator company in existence." He said federal stockpile replacement creates a market opportunity and that the company expects to ship "probably about 500 ventilators this year."
Why it matters: staff and economic development representatives said the project brings higher‑paying manufacturing jobs to the Fargo area and that Corvent has met and exceeded commitments from its earlier incentive pilot. Commissioners discussed the five‑year term favorably; Commissioner Pepcorn said he preferred a five‑year exemption over longer terms he has seen.
Action and vote: the commission approved the tax exemption after staff presentation and applicant remarks. Commissioners confirmed a scoring rubric used to evaluate exemptions and economic incentives; staff present said the company ranked higher than required and was exceeding performance metrics.
Next steps: staff will finalize documentation for the exemption. Corvent representatives said they plan to continue hiring locally and expanding production.
