Screen printing, embroidery and apparel manufacturer Sports Addix LLC’s plans to support and renovate a facility on Jacksonville’s Eastside near Talleyrand landed a $50,000 city grant.
The Jacksonville City Council voted 16-1 on Nov. 22 on Resolution 2022-0834 to invest in the former Michigan-based company’s $679,000 plan to renovate its new headquarters and manufacturing facility at 1708 Marshall St.
Council member Rory Diamond voted no.
The money will come from the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund, whose advisory board approved it Oct. 11.
A city project summary dated Oct. 12 from the Office of Economic Development says the sports apparel screen printer, which moved to Jacksonville from Michigan this year, plans to retain 43 employees at an average annual wage of $38,854 and add 25 full-time jobs at $51,000 a year plus benefits.
Sports Addix acquired Jacksonville-based Great Atlantic Outfitters this year. It was based in Arlington.
CEO Steven Dean acquired Sports Addix in 2019. The city memo says the company will lease the 25,300-square-foot warehouse where the company plans to expand.
Duval County property records show the building is owned by Florida Rubber & Supply Co.
The memo says the $50,000 grant is a material factor in Sports Addix relocating to Jacksonville.
Dean said Oct. 21 that Addix started its relocation in July. While the bulk of the move is done, the company is installing electrical components and calibrating printing equipment.
Dean said the public investment “was consequential to the decision” to move to Jacksonville.
According to Dean, some employees relocated with the company and there have been expenses related to training new workers.
Dean said Addix makes its own brand of custom specialty sports uniforms for high schools and youth leagues. Among other products, the company produces uniforms for special events, fundraisers, military games and more.
Addix lists partnerships and business affiliates on its website with youth, high school, college and semipro athletic associations in the Midwest and California.
The company’s $679,000 investment comprises $366,000 for building improvements, $276,000 for machinery and equipment and $37,000 for furniture and fixtures, according to the city summary.
City economic development officials estimated the grant would have a $1.65 return for every $1 invested.