Orion Twp. board approves tax abatement for Acoufelt, LLC. Development represents a $40 million investment in Orion Twp. ORION TWP. - The Orion Township Board of Trustees voted 7-0 on Monday to approve a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate for Acoufelt, LLC to build a new facility on Lapeer Road. Acoufelt will receive a 50% tax abatement on real property taxes, according to township documents. Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said the township has an existing industrial facilities district map that was approved about 20 years ago "that allows companies that invest and meet the criteria of the state of Michigan for tax abatements, essentially creating industrial jobs. It allows them to apply for it more easily in Orion Township because we have an existing underlying district that has already been developed." Acoufelt, LLC is proposing to build a $40 million, 303,000 square feet headquarters, manufacturing facility and warehouse on vacant land at 4285 S. Lapeer Rd. just north of Palazzo di Bocce. "I will just state that this (a tax exemption certificate) is a great tool to attract development. In this case it's about $40 million in development and new jobs. A company that's growing exponentially, they've outgrown their facility, as mentioned," Barnett said. "It's a remarkable business." Construction is expected to begin in December and be completed in November 2026, according to the Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate application. Acoufelt, established in 2017, is projecting adding 20 new fulltime jobs to its current 170 fulltime employees, according to township documents. "We're super excited about this, it's a very exciting project for us," said Barry Truan, one of the owners of Acoufelt, LLC. "We're currently in Auburn Hills with our manufacturing and sales office and we've been growing quite strongly. We supply architectural acoustic products into work places, community spaces like your conference room here." Acoufelt manufactures and provides architectural acoustic products to work places, community spaces and sports and entertainment venues across North America, Truan said, adding the business is family owned and has "always been in Michigan." "We were attracted to this site because of its potential and obviously this tax part was a really important piece as well," Truan said. "We're super excited. We're looking forward to joining your community." Treasurer Matt Pfeiffer said that while a 50% tax exemption is substantial, so is a $40 million investment into the community. "We want to attract good quality businesses. It's a net positive, really. We're charging them less (than 100% property taxes) but it's going to be more than the vacant property sitting there," Pfeiffer said. Property taxes will be determined based on the value of the finished facility and whatever the current tax assessment is at the time. Barnett, Pfeiffer, Clerk Julia Dalrymple and Chief of Staff Samantha Timko were able to tour Acoufelt's Auburn Hills facility. "The technology is fantastic. The team is great, and they have an innovative office setting that I think is just going to be a great addition, with obviously happy employees that they're going to be bringing to Orion Township. So, I'm super excited about the investment and excited about your company settling here," Pfeiffer said. Township Trustees Michael Flood, Jr. and Jack Lovat agreed and supported the development. "It's another tool in our toolbox for economic development and it provides good-paying jobs in our community," Flood said. "I'm excited for it, it's a great looking building," Lovat said. "Any economic growth we can do to benefit our community is welcomed."

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