News release from Allen County:
Expedited Permitting a Benefit to Businesses
Provision allows qualifying companies to move through process quicker
(March 18, 2011) – Greatbatch Medical’s plans to invest $17 million in a manufacturing operations facility in Allen County will be able to move forward faster thanks to a provision available through the County Plan Commission.
The Commission’s executive committee approved the primary development plans at its meeting earlier this week. Greatbatch will construct an 80,000 square foot facility on a 20-acre site on Kroemer Road near U.S. 30 and Sweetwater Sound. The move will result in 76 new jobs for Allen County by 2014 and will retain 105 employees who will be transferred from the company’s Whitley County site.
“Because the property is already zoned properly and this is a county-wide economic development project, it qualifies for our expedited permitting system,” said Kim Bowman, executive director of the Department of Planning Services. “The company’s plans can be approved by the executive committee without the need for a public hearing or action from the full Plan Commission.”
“We figure we shaved at least five weeks off the permitting process so Greatbatch can begin work sooner,” added Roy Buskirk, County Councilman and Plan Commission member.
“Allen County has been an outstanding partner throughout this entire process,” said Mauricio Arellano, president, Greatbatch Medical. “The County’s process and policies have enabled us to accelerate our timeline by beginning construction ahead of schedule, which will allow Allen
County to receive the jobs and investment faster than originally anticipated. It’s truly a win-win for both parties.”Not every project qualifies for this fast-track approval process. Businesses looking to expand or relocate to Allen County can contact the Department of Planning Services to learn more about the criteria.
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