In a 4-1 vote on Tuesday, the County Commission approved a request from Encell Technology, Inc., a manufacturing company based in Alachua County, to participate in the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Program.
Commissioner Mike Byerly, who voted against this, said Tuesday he doesn’t support the QTI program but this request “sorely tested” his opposition because it’s a great opportunity.
This is a tax-refund program that provides incentives for high-wage job creation in targeted industries. The state pays 80 percent of the tax refund while the local jurisdiction — in this case, Alachua County — pays 20 percent of it.
Encell Technology is considering expanding in Phoenix Commercial Park on Highway 441, which is in unincorporated Alachua County, according to county documents. If the company decides to locate its expansion there and joins the QTI program, the county would make a $233,800 contribution payable over several years.
Encell Technology expects to create 167 jobs over six years with an average annual salary of $73,770 plus benefits with an average value of $15,000, according to county documents. The county’s financial commitment is dependent on the company’s creation of jobs as promised.
Commissioner Lee Pinkoson said Tuesday he was glad this expansion would create manufacturing jobs not just for people with Masters or Ph.D degrees, but for individuals without those degrees as well.
Commissioner Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson said he doesn’t always support QTI requests but considers this a great one.
Encell Technology designs battery storage and management systems such as rechargeable batteries and aims to lower the cost of clean energy.