Sturgis business seeks tax break with expansion

A Sturgis business took a critical step last month toward seeking a break on its future property taxes for a proposed $1.9 million investment in building expansion and new equipment.
Pete Stemen, owner of Michigan Tool Works, said the tool-and-die company plans to expand its 651 Wade St. facility, retaining 17 jobs and adding two new positions. According to a city memo, Michigan Tool Works has expansion plans that include the purchase of property from Burr Oak Tool on Wade Street and construction of a new building.
In order to be eligible for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate, an Industrial Development District must be created prior to the start of any construction project.
Following a public hearing, commissioners established an industrial development district for the property. That’s the first step that will be followed by approving an exemption certificate designed to grant the business a 50-percent rollback on property taxes for the new investment for a specified number of years.