A West Virginia-based plastic and piping manufacturer is seeking a grant from the city to subsidize building improvements for a new plant in Northwest Jacksonville.
Flying W Plastics Inc. would create 28 jobs and invest an estimated $8 million to renovate an existing industrial facility at 109 Stevens St., north of Interstate 10, according to documents from the city Office of Economic Development.
A bill filed June 3 with City Council states the company is asking for $100,000. The money would come from interest income in the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund.
A project summary filed with the Resolution 2020-312 says it would be the second Flying W Plastics plant in the U.S. and serve the company’s Florida and Southeast market customers.
Flying W Plastics was established in 1984 and services municipal, oil, gas, telecommunications and commercial and residential real estate customers, according to the company website.
The jobs, predominantly in manufacturing, will pay an average wage of $45,429, according to a May 18 project summary filed with the bill.
The company would have the jobs in place by Dec. 31, 2021, the summary states. The city said the plant’s total annual payroll will be $1.27 million, excluding benefits.
Duval County Property Appraiser records show the 170,550-square-foot building at the site was built in 1959. It sits on 7.48 acres purchased by 109 Stevens LLC in July 2015. It is appraised at $1.22 million.
City economic development officials said in the summary that the company will invest $350,000 in exterior upgrades, including bringing a rail spur back online.
The company told city officials it will work with JEA to increase the building’s electrical system capacity. Flying W Plastics’ capital investment will include machinery and equipment purchases, the city states.
Flying W Plastics President Doug Morris did not immediately return a phone call for comment June 4. It’s unclear if the company will purchase or lease the facility.
Mayor Lenny Curry wants Council to approve the resolution authorizing the grant and an economic development agreement with Flying W Plastics.
The bill was filed by Council President Scott Wilson on Curry’s behalf and will be introduced at the June 9 Council meeting.