La Grange Firm Gets Tax Break Renewed

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange trustees on Monday signed off on a tax break for a business that is increasing the number of employees.

The Village Board renewed the benefit for Billet Specialties, 500 Shawmut Ave., which makes auto parts.

Billet first got a 12-year property tax incentive in 2014. It has now been extended another dozen years.

It is part of a Cook County program that lowers property assessments for job-creating businesses that invest in their properties.

If the benefit weren't renewed, the business would have seen its annual property tax bill rise to $77,000 over the next three years, up from $31,000, according to its application.

In 2002, Billet moved to Shawmut Avenue from Burr Ridge and invested $2.5 million in the property, the company said.

After the 2014 incentive, the company expanded its operation, increasing by 17 employees, according to its application. It now employs more than 70.

Now, Billet plans to improve a building at the site, allowing it to expand its wheel product line, the application said.

The board voted unanimously for the tax incentive.

"I appreciate your investment, your hard work, and your employment of people in the community," Village President Mark Kuchler said.

In 2016, La Grange approved a similar incentive for Dubak Electrical Group, 10 N. Beach Ave., which has been operating in La Grange since 1988.

A couple of years ago, the benefit was given to Whole Cubes, 9600 Ogden Ave., an office furniture dealership. The firm was moving into a building that had been vacant since 2019.