BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
MASON -- City officials are courting a high-technology company that makes precision measurement equipment.
Nelson Precision, now based in Blue Ash, is looking to build a 13,500-square-foot assembly building at Tri-Way Industrial Park on U.S. 42 in Mason. The company now employs 16 and plans to add five people once it relocates.
Mason City Council on Monday offered Nelson a 100 percent abatement of real estate taxes on the value of the new building for six years. The abatement would not apply to the land, personal property or payroll taxes. Additionally, Nelson would give Mason City Schools $2,700 annually for the life of the agreement.
"We're forgiving one (tax) in order to stimulate the development of raw land into a revenue-producing building," said Melissa Koehler, Mason's economic development director.
Nelson, which has outgrown its Blue Ash location, was looking at sites in Fairfield and elsewhere in Butler County. But company leaders turned to Mason because of its proximity to Interstates 75 and 71. The firm hopes to make a decision within two weeks, said Mike Wallace, chief financial officer.
"Right now, our position is, any other areas are on hold," he said.
The company's primary customers are automotive manufacturers. Its total investment in the new location will be $700,000 in real property and $1.2 million in personal property. Its annual payroll is $1.03 million.
The company's high-tech operation and its average annual salary of $65,000 make it an appealing catch for Mason, said Mrs. Koehler. "When we meet with a prospective company, we can gauge how committed they'll be to the community by the types of questions they pose to us. This is one that you definitely want to walk down the aisle with."
