Marathon Roofing seeks tax breaks for Orchard Park expansion

Feb. 21--A roofing products maker that needs more room for growth is hoping that the county will provide some tax breaks for the project.

Marathon Roofing Products and MRP Supports wants to construct a 10,000-square-foot addition to its warehouse and shipping facility at 3310 N. Benzing Road in Orchard Park. Located on a quarter-acre parcel that is currently used for storage and parking, the high-bay addition would allow the company to handle the increased demand for its products, according to its application to the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.

The company is asking for $35,000 in sales tax exemptions and a property tax break, so it can meet financial projections both during and after construction, while addressing "debt service and financial planning."

The company currently has 23,000 square feet of space in its 40-year-old building but has maxed out its capacity, and needs the extra space with 25-foot ceilings so it can place full skids on racking "to create better and safer working conditions," officials said in their application. That will improve its manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

"This is needed to maintain competitiveness for the future," the company wrote. "We need the assistance to ensure we can do what our customers need as well as look at continuing our growth in this area and supplying opportunities locally."

If approved by the town, work could begin April 1 and finish by June. But without the ECIDA's help, officials said, the $750,000 project "is not financially viable and could not be undertaken," resulting in "the restriction of growth and ultimately jobs."

That will also help with retaining and creating 19 jobs. Project costs include $600,000 for construction, $100,000 for furniture and nonmanufacturing equipment, and $25,000 in professional costs. Financing includes $125,000 in equity and $600,000 in bank loans.

Marathon, which is owned by Tod J. Cislo, makes and sells commercial roofing drains, vents and supports for roof decking systems nationwide. The company serves several distributors throughout Western New York and has been a top supplier for the last two years for ABC Supply, a national distributor with 800 to 900 locations.

Its products have been used on major local projects in recent years, including the Pierce-Arrow Museum, Hotel @ the Lafayette, One Canalside, the Lofts, Tappo and the Delaware North corporate headquarters building at 250 Delaware Ave.

A public hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 24 at the town offices, at 4295 S. Buffalo St. in Orchard Park.

___

(c)2020 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.)

Visit The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.) at www.buffalonews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.