News

American Axle and Manufacturing, at 131 W. Harvest Road, is investing over $75 million in its manufacturing facility in Bluffton.

Bluffton Common Council approved tax abatements on the increasted equipment investment Tuesday night.

The abatements are both going into effect for personal property at the company being installed during 2019.

The abatements are being done in the name of Metaldyne M&A, which was the name of the company prior to its being known as American Axle.

To grant the 10-year tax abatement on the $20.9 million in equipment already being used, the council had to open a public hearing (which drew no comment) and agree to waive the company’s non-compliance — in that it did not seek the abatement on the equipment prior to its installation.

The other abatement is for $54.5 million in manufacturing equipment.

Chad Kline, Wells County’s economic development director, spoke for American Axle as the abatements were presented to the council — although company representatives said the new lines would allow it to work on parts needed for General Motors and Ford vehicles going forward.

The council approved both statements of benefits on a 5-0 vote.