Constantine Agrees To Tax Exemption

Constantine village officials this week approved a 12-year, 50 percent abatement of about $55 million in equipment and building improvements to a prospective new tenant at the former Rexam packaging plant.

During Wednesday’s special meeting, the council agreed to support the tax exemption sought by Indiana-based Nature’s Fuel. The company converts scrap wood into marketable bio-fuels.

The Rexam plant closed a year ago and took with it more than 200 jobs. Nature’s Fuel plans to hire at least 70 people to start, company officials said.

Purchase of the property is expected to be finalized in the next two weeks. Nature’s Fuel is then expected to apply for various permits and licenses it needs to operate in Michigan.