Screenprinting, embroidery and apparel manufacturer Sports Addix LLC is asking the city for a $50,000 grant to support renovation and expansion of its facility on Jacksonville’s Eastside near Talleyrand.
A memo and project summary issued Oct. 12 by the Jacksonville Office of Economic Development shows the company is asking the city to supplement its $679,000 investment in electrical infrastructure, roofing and code compliance improvements for its building at 1708 Marshall St.
The Mayor’s Budget Review Committee is scheduled to vote Oct. 24 on filing legislation with City Council to award the $50,000 from the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund.
The city summary says the sports apparel screenprinter, which moved to Jacksonville from Michigan earlier this year, plans to retain 43 employees at an average wage of $38,854 and add 25 full-time jobs with an average annual wage of $51,000 plus benefits.
Sports Addix acquired Jacksonville-based Great Atlantic Outfitters this year.
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 working to install electrical components and calibrate printing equipment.
Dean said that while the company is hopeful Council will approve the grant, he told city officials the public investment “was consequential to the decision” to move to Jacksonville.
According to Dean, some employees relocated with the company but there also 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 breaks down into $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.
The Northwest Economic Development Fund Advisory Board approved the grant request at its Oct. 11 meeting.