Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - A recreational vehicle components manufacturing facility and 30 to 40 jobs are coming to town.
Representatives of Goshen-based Lippert Components Inc. and Nuway Construction attended Monday's town council meeting to request tax abatements for the project.
The council approved tax abatements of five years on equipment and 10 years on real estate.
"On behalf of the town of Milford, I'd like to welcome you with open arms," said town council president Douglas Ruch. "We will do what we can to help you become a part of this community."
Utilities superintendent Dallas Winchester said he reviewed the company's plans and "everything is in compliance."
Lippert is a subsidiary of Drew Industries. The company produces a wide variety of components for recreational vehicles and manufactured homes at 34 facilities across the United States.
This new facility is being planned as the result of Lippert's recent acquisition of Zieman Manufacturing Co.
Zieman, a California company, manufactures trailers for equipment, boats, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Jimmy Conroy, Lippert's national operations officer, said, "We are excited about manufacturing these high-quality boat and leisure craft trailers in Indiana as the quality of the labor force and the geographical proximity to the heart of the boating industry leaves us well-positioned for our entry into this competitive marketplace."
Nuway Construction, Goshen, will design and build the factory, which is expected to be operational in October.
The facility will be constructed north of the Royal Crown factory on Old Ind. 15, north of Milford.
The council also heard from insurance agents regarding proposals for health insurance for town employees.
The town experienced a rate increase from $5,000 to $7,500 per month in its health insurance premiums.
The council conducted special meetings - including one Monday at 5 p.m. - to hear presentations from several insurance agents and will meet again Monday at 7 p.m. to review the proposals.
The council also:
• Heard from the fire department that there will be a test of the tornado warning siren at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Approved not more than $600 to replace ropes and floats at the beach at Waubee Lake park. The council also approved the purchase of a refrigerator for the concession stand at the park.
• Heard from Winchester that Steve Marquart is leaving the street department. Winchester recommended street department employee Robert Hamilton to take Marquart's place. Winchester also recommended the hiring of Wendall Troyer to take Hamilton's position. The council approved the personnel recommendations.
• Heard from Winchester that he is accepting entries for a Memorial Day Parade scheduled for May 31. Those interested should call Winchester at 574-658-4514.
Milford Town Council members are Gary Hurd, Robert Cockburn and Doug Ruch. Clerk-treasurer is Charlotte Siegfried.
