A Richmond manufacturer received funds toward its expansion, and incentives for builders to add $26 million in subdivision homes have taken another step forward.
Grant
At its April 23 meeting, Economic Development of Wayne County unanimously approved a $32,500 Economic Development Income Tax grant for Ahaus Tool & Engineering.
Ahaus is adding a building on Industrial Parkway and a new CNC machining center to accommodate large projects.
The nearly $2.5 million investment is expected to create 12 new jobs this year and 15 next year. They’ll pay an average of $25 per hour, excluding benefits.
Brian Keiser, Ahaus’ director of operations, said the new building will help with the company’s currently high volume of work.
Valerie Shaffer, EDC president, said Ahaus is an important part of the supply chain because it makes production machines for other manufacturers. She also noted Ahaus’ local headquarters, significant nonprofit contributions and its model apprenticeship program that trains high school students and retains them as employees.
Housing accelerator
Wayne County has selected five developers to receive $10,000 per new home built in unfinished subdivisions.
Last fall, EDC and county leaders agreed to spend $500,000 on incentives.
After reviewing applications, they decided to partially fund all eligible applicants to maximize the number of constructed homes, with 82 planned. Developers must have at least one spec home available at all times.
Because a developer wants to add homes in an unincorporated area north of Cambridge City, county officials were willing to contribute $170,000. That leaves a gap of $150,000.
EDC’s board voted to allocate the $150,000 from the consolidated EDIT fund, which could be finalized during a May meeting of councilors and commissioners. They’ve already shown support, but have to advertise before approving an additional appropriation.
Shaffer said $1.3 million in unallocated funds are available, and partner communities will replenish $1.6 million this year.
Economic Development Manager Sarah Mitchell said all developers said they understood the fairness and simplicity of $10,000 per lot. If lots aren’t developed by Dec. 31, 2029, there’s a $10,000 penalty for each. Annual progress reviews will be required.
Half of the homes would be in Richmond corporation limits — Sandbridge Hills (15 lots), Hidden Valley (20) and Garwood Acres (six). Centerville: Willow Brook Place (24). Cambridge City: Meers Estates (17).
Four applicants lacked information, but they’ll be encouraged to reapply if more funding is allocated. After some infrastructure is installed, EDC leaders would consider a second funding round with modifications, such as allowing multifamily housing.
Shaffer said housing needs are often discussed at workshops she attends. Wayne County’s program is patterned after Vigo County, which has developed about 400 lots in the past couple of years.
In other business
- EDC previously gave EDIT grants to Dot Transportation and Vandor Corp. Upon review, both exceeded what they said they’d do when requesting the funds.
- Twenty-eight movers have been recruited toward the county’s goal of 30 remote workers. Board members asked if a second phase was planned. Shaffer said discussions have begun about a potential next phase toward recruiting workers for local jobs. No commitments have been made.
- EDC’s annual meeting and luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. May 5 at Reid Health.
A version of this article appeared in the April 30 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.