Aberdeen approves incentive package to retain Reliance Packaging expansion; owner pledges about 32 new jobs

Aberdeen commissioners approved an economic development incentive grant agreement for Reliance Packaging LLC after a short public hearing on Nov. 12.

Town staff described a seven‑year rebate schedule tied to the increase in ad valorem property value created by Reliance’s planned expansion: roughly 90% reimbursement in year one, stepping down through the seventh year. Staff said total capital investment on the project will be “well over $7,000,000,” and noted the project includes hiring roughly 30–35 new full‑time positions to support expanded manufacturing operations.

“...there's gonna be well over, $7,000,000, in total investments for it,” staff said while outlining the incentive structure. The incentive is structured as a grant that rebates the value of increased property taxes generated by new improvements rather than permanently abating existing taxes.

Reliance’s representative thanked the board. “We do intend to hire at least 32 employees,” said Satish Schramm (speaker 8), who the board identified as Reliance’s owner. Schramm said the new hires will be paid above the county average and that the company expects the expansion to push its total local workforce over 100.

Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to approve the incentive agreement; the motion carried on a voice vote. The board recessed from the public hearing and then voted to authorize the grant agreement, sending the town into the implementation phase for monitoring investment and hiring commitments.

The agreement requires Reliance to meet the investment and hiring milestones within the seven‑year window specified in the terms; staff said the town’s incentive structure is intended to retain and grow local manufacturing without permanently foregoing existing tax receipts. The board invited Reliance back to provide progress updates once the expansion is underway.