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http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=55872.07

Council OKs tax relief for new firm

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - When Thomas Engwert and his son, Scott, decided to relocate Current Midwest Co. from East Chicago, Ind., they thought of Michigan City.

"We lived in Michigan City awhile ago," said Scott Engwert, vice president. "We wanted to get out of East Chicago and more to a nicer community."

Engwert and local attorney Patrick Donoghue appeared before the Michigan City Common Council on Tuesday to request a 10-year real estate tax abatement for construction of a $456,000 plant at 601 Sheridan Ave., between 10th Street and Woodlawn Avenue. The resolution, introduced by councilmen Ron Meer and Joe Doyle, passed unanimously.

Current Midwest Co. assembles and sells large-scale air and water distribution systems for business and industrial buildings. Scott Engwert said their business has expanded during the past 10 years and employs five people. He said the company plans to hire additional workers as soon as economic conditions improve.

The Engwerts will construct a 7,500-square-foot wood frame pole building containing an office and shop area. Larson-Danielson has been selected to design and construct the plant on the 2.6 acre parcel.

According to Donoghue, the site is in a formerly active light industrial area on Michigan City's West Side. He said the relocated company "can help revitalize the area."

"This project will result in significant commercial activity in the neighborhood and should help encourage other new development on Sheridan Avenue," Donoghue said.