L & W Engineering Plans on $14-$17 Million Expansion

Two and a half years ago, L & W Engineering arrived in Avon with no definiteplans of staying. Their time here was transitional at best; the company, which employed 12 at the time, was sold several times and its future was uncertain.

Now, the s ready to offer the aluminum and steel fabricating company a 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement on what is expected to be a $14 million to $17 million expansion. This Enterprise Zone Tax Agreement would still need approval by council, likely at its Aug. 13 meeting, as well as the Lorain County Board of Commissioners.

The company currently rents its present location but is looking to buy.

“It’s the difference between whether to stay here and buy the building or move to Tennessee or Michigan,” Smith said.

The company, located at 1190 Jaycox Road, is headquartered in Michigan.

“They are planning on adding three major presses and 72,000 square feet of building,” Mayor Jim Smith at Avon Council Aug. 6. A public meeting brought forth no comments. The building would be purchased along with 23.53 acres of property.

Smith said when the company came to town, the planned on buying equipment and bringing it back to Michigan.

“Now they’re up to 60 employees and looking to add 20 more,” Smith said. “We’re going to hold onto 60 and gain 20. “We’re looking at them being  to be one of the top three companies in the city.”

The primarily blue-collar jobs could mean an additional $700,000 in payroll.

Smith said the company has approximately 16 sites in the United States.Council President Dan Zegarac said the city’s economic development board approved the 10-year 75 percent abatement for the $17 million expansion earlier in the evening.