Merrillville approves tax abatement for GITech’s U.S. headquarters; first phase 22,000 sq. ft. and 15 jobs

The Merrillville Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously June 24 to approve Resolution 25-13, recommending a tax abatement for GITech America Corporation to establish a U.S. headquarters and manufacturing hub in the Ameriplex business park.

Nut graf: The project, brought to Merrillville through a partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and local economic development staff, would be developed in two phases. The first phase calls for a 22,000-square-foot facility on roughly three acres; the company and its representative said a later second phase could expand the site to about 45,000 square feet.

Angie (staff) told commissioners the company is investing about $7,400,000 in phase one and seeking both real and personal property abatements. She said the first phase would create roughly 15 permanent full-time jobs with an estimated annual payroll of about $1,350,000, and that full build-out could support about 35 permanent, highly skilled positions. Tony Biquet, representative for GITech, said the facility will be a small-parts, precision manufacturing site with state-of-the-art equipment.

The resolution had a favorable recommendation from the Economic Development Committee on June 17, staff said. Commissioners asked about site selection; the company's representative said several states were considered and that Merrillville offered the best location and property for the facility.

Ending: The commission approved Resolution 25-13 by roll call vote 5-0. The resolution forwards the abatement recommendation for actions required at other municipal levels and formalizes town participation in the incentive process.