United Technologies Electronic Controls, Inc. investing in Huntington facility
Council gives tax abatement
Abatement to retrain almost 700 jobs
Posted: Thursday, February 14, 2013 4:26 pm
BY LUCAS BECHTOL lbechtol@h-ponline.com
The Huntington City Common Council approved a 10-year tax abatement for United Technologies Electronic Controls, Inc. at its meeting on Tuesday evening.
United Technologies will make a $1,785,300 investment in equipment to support production requirements, improve quality and reduce costs, according to the tax abatement SB-1 form.
According to the form, this new equipment will not bring any new jobs to the community, but the company will maintain its estimated 682 employees with combined estimated salaries of $31,927,000.
Alex Housten, managing director for United Technologies, spoke at the meeting.
“We are the largest manufacturer of electronics of our scale left in the United States for our industries,” he said.
Housten added there was a niche with the Department of Defense in the same industry.
“We are committed to this community, we think we’re very competitive in this community, but we never take them for granted,” he said. “So, the support the community gives us to stay here and grow here is very important and we appreciate it.”
The investment United Technologies is split into two projects. One project, according to the form, is for $1.67 million and will allow the facility to purchase surface mount equipment, automated assembly equipment and improved conformal coating equipment. This will also improve product workflow to manufacture electronic controls for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning market.
According to the form, this will solidify the manufacturer’s position as “a world-class leader the manufacture of electronic controls.”
The other part of the investment is $115,300 for the purchase of new test and analysis equipment for the Engineering Research and Development lab.
The council approved the abatement in a 6-0 vote, with Jim Long, D-3rd District, absent.
Charles Chapman, R-1st District, said he is always supportive of local business and helping out when they can is important to the community.
“Huntington, like all communities, is challenged with keeping business in our communities, creating a friendly environment for business,” he said. “We are in a situation where, throughout our region, every community surrounding us is offering incentives and different kinds of plans to either attract business to town or to keep them.”
The council was in a situation where it could support a business that has been a good supporter and asset to the community.
“They’ve made investments in their facility, they’re committed to Huntington so, in turn, we’re showing our commitment to them for the work they’re doing in town,” Chapman said.
