The city issued a permit Dec. 3 for foundation work for The Hillman Group Inc. distribution center expansion in North Jacksonville.
Dana B. Kenyon Co. will build the foundation for the 95,523-square-foot expansion to Building No. 4, the structure Hillman leases at 3650 Port Jacksonville Parkway in NorthPoint Industrial Park.
The foundation cost is $710,374. The city also is reviewing a permit application for Dana B. Kenyon Co. to renovate and expand the warehouse at a cost of almost $3.3 million.
Hillman Group provides hardware products to more than 25,000 customers, including Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware and Walmart.
The proposed expansion doubles the square footage to 190,000 with a total investment of $8.45 million. That comprises $7.25 million in real estate improvements and $1.2 million in machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures over the next two years.
The Jacksonville City Council signed off Nov. 24 on a $200,000 property tax incentive for the expansion. It provides Hillman a five-year Recapture Enhanced Value Grant at 50% for the $8.45 million investment.
Hillman said it will create 50 jobs. Hillman will pay those employees an average annual salary of $30,000 plus benefits, according to documents filed with the incentives legislation.
Resolution 2020-0667 waives the city’s public investment policy provision for REV Grants that require jobs offer annual wages equal to or greater than the state average of $49,472.
The Cincinnati-based hardware products supplier intends to hire logisticians, warehouse receiving and shipping personnel, truck drivers and support staff. The deal requires the jobs to be in place by Dec. 31, 2023.
City documents state Hillman is seeking to increase its southeastern U.S. distribution capabilities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Pattillo Industrial Real Estate is the NorthPoint property owner and developer. RS&H is the architect.