EDSC approves five-year property-tax exemption for Valley Process Technologies to open Fargo facility

The EDSC voted unanimously on July 28 to approve a five-year property-tax exemption for Valley Process Technologies, a Wahpeton-based chemical and bioproduct firm planning to expand into Fargo. The company told the commission it expects a $15,000,000 capital investment to reactivate about 35,000 square feet in a formerly vacant facility and to add about 22 jobs in year one and 51 by year three.

"This project represents $15,000,000 in capital investment, over 35,000 square feet of reactivated space," EDC staff said in their introduction. CEO Mike Thummel told the commission the Fargo site would include lab space and refrigeration and would support Wahpeton operations; he said his firm supplies roughly 30 ethanol facilities across the United States and is offering a non-hazardous alternative to existing chemicals. "We're the only company in The United States currently that's offering a non hazardous alternative to hazardous chemicals," Thummel said.

Committee members pressed for details about the new positions and near-term finances; Thummel said most roles will be production operators, lab technicians and logistics staff and that about 80% of the positions will not require a four-year degree. He also noted the company expects a net loss in year one because of build-out and commercialization timelines. After brief discussion about policy compliance and verification, a commissioner moved to approve the exemption and the EDSC conducted a roll call; the motion passed unanimously. The matter will proceed to the city commission for final action.