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Commission approves letter of intent for WFCO Steel job-incentive agreement to support 20 new hires
Summary
The commission authorized staff to prepare a job-incentive agreement for WFCO Steel Products Inc., approving a letter of intent that would allow a county job-incentive grant (up to $1,500 per qualified job) if WFCO hires 20 workers meeting the county policy's wage requirements and retention periods.
Reno County commissioners on Aug. 27 approved a letter of intent directing staff to draft a job-incentive agreement with WFCO Steel Products Inc., which has proposed adding 20 jobs over the next year.
Deborah Tufel of the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and Greater Hutch economic development partnership introduced company representatives. WFCO CEO Josh Stubbs said the company has diversified since a pre-COVID expansion plan and now employs about 80 full-time staff; he said capital investments this year have totaled roughly $2.8 million and the company plans additional equipment, including a 26-kilowatt Amada fiber laser, to expand capacity for agriculture, automotive and construction sector customers.
Under Reno County policy cited by staff, qualifying jobs pay at least $21 per hour and the county provides $1,500 per job after employees have been retained for four quarters. The letter of intent directs staff to prepare a formal agreement for commission consideration; the board voted to approve the letter and authorized the vice chair to sign it. A roll-call vote recorded Commissioners Parks, Vincent, Winger and Hurst voting yes.
Ending: Staff will work with WFCO and the Hutchinson Chamber to finalize an agreement that will return to the commission for formal approval once details and performance metrics are finalized.
