By Rebekah Martin
Associate Editor
The Opelika City Council voted to grant Cumberland Plastics Systems, the newest addition to Opelika’s Industrial Park, two tax abatements at Tuesday’s meeting. The plastics giant will lease the currently vacant Benteler building located at 4401 Northpark Drive and make improvements to the structure projected to begin at the end of the year.
According to the resolution the council approved Tuesday, “Cumberland proposes to produce plastic parts for the automotive, industrial, agricultural and consumer goods markets at its facility in Opelika.” The company will invest more than 9.5 million dollars and create 121 jobs over a period of three years.
The resolution also stated the tax abatements include “all state and local non-education ad valorem taxes (property taxes) for a period of 10 years and all construction related transaction taxes (sales and use taxes), except those construction related transaction taxes levied for educational purposes or for capital improvements for education.”
The council showed its support of the company and its upcoming expansion.
“We welcome you to town and we’re always available if you need something,” City Council President Eddie Smith told David Bonner, Cumberland Plastics Operations Manager. City Attorney Guy Gunter told the council he believes having the building occupied by a company that produces a valuable product will be a great asset to the city.
In other news the council:
-approved a temporary fire lieutenant postion until the department hires a fire captain.
-approved seven weed abatements for properties on Cottage Court
-approved a temporary road closure for Opelika’s National Night Out event to be held next month.