BMW supplier to expand, create 76 new jobs

Oct. 18--Spartanburg County Council agreed Monday to move forward with tax breaks for two companies, one of which is an existing BMW supplier that is planning a $44 million expansion that will create 76 new, full-time jobs.

The first of three readings authorizing a reduced tax rate for Project G6 and Project Tyger was approved. The names of the companies are being withheld until final approval, Councilman David Britt said.

Britt said Project G6 makes automotive parts for BMW.

"On Project G6, this is an existing industry that wants to extend their (tax break) investment window and make a nearly $45 million investment and increase the number of jobs with this investment," Britt said.

The agreement states the company will invest $44 million over five years to receive a property tax rate of 6 percent, which is below the standard 10.5 percent rate for industries.

"On Project Tyger, this is an existing company that plans to make improvements at their facility and invest around $4 million to $5 million," Britt said.

The unnamed company will also receive a reduced property tax rate of 6 percent. The agreement makes no mention of new jobs.

In other business Monday, council:

* Gave the second of three approvals needed to pass a countywide towing ordinance that caps fees for different vehicles. The guidelines would apply to unincorporated, private property in the county and define what property owners must do in case their vehicle is towed.

* Gave final approval to a tax break for German-based Rudolph Logistics Group, which plans to invest $18 million and create 150 new jobs at a new warehouse operation in Greer. The 171,000-square-foot facility will provide logistics services to the automotive industry.

* Gave the second of three approvals to a tax break extension for Highland Baking Company in Spartanburg to recognize its $9.48 million investment and 196 jobs promised when it opened its new production facility on Asheville Highway in 2012.

* Announced the county council retreat will be held Friday, Nov. 17, at River Bend, 1000 Wilkie Bridge Road, Inman.

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