Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. is set to create between 50 and 75 new jobs as part of its planned $1.5 million expansion in Greenwood.
The Mississippi Development Authority announced Monday that Milwaukee Tool would receive $1.5 million in grant funding for building renovations, with the city of Greenwood providing a $150,000 match.
The additional jobs would bring the number of Milwaukee Tool employees in the city to 583, the agency said in a statement.
The Greenwood operation makes saw blades and provides service for Milwaukee’s product line. The company also employs 737 at a Jackson factory and its Olive Branch distribution center.
Mayor Carolyn McAdams said although Milwaukee isn’t the city’s largest employer, it is well on its way to becoming so.
“We couldn’t ask for a better corporate citizen,” she said. “They are involved in the chamber. They are involved in the schools, providing for a workforce-ready environment.”
The company and its employees have also volunteered to rebuild the pavilion in Whittington Park that was heavily damaged by arson last year, McAdams said.
Also Tuesday, the Greenwood City Council approved a proposed Urban Renewal Plan that includes the city-owned buildings and grounds that Milwaukee is using.
That would provide up to an additional $2 million with a 10 percent match from the city. The city in turn would issue bonds on the project, said City Attorney Don Brock.
A public hearing on the measure is set for July 5.
In addition, the council approved a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for Milwaukee Tool. The total exemption includes $2.8 million for the planned expansion property and up to $11.3 million in inventory.
The council also approved the hiring of Mike Rozier Construction Co. Inc. to work on the project there. Under the proposal, the company would still be required to pay school taxes.
City Council President Ronnie Stevenson said Milwaukee’s continued growth is a good thing for the city and its citizens.
“They’ve been adding and adding and adding,” he said. “We’re blessed as a community to have a company like Milwaukee Tool. It’s a win-win situation.”
In 2015, the company expanded into a second city-owned building and invested $16.8 million and hired 126 employees.
Angela Curry, executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation, said Milwaukee Tool’s continued growth — “over 200 jobs in Greenwood and Leflore County in the past couple of years” — is a positive sign.
“We are always looking for ways to make our industries grow,” she said.
Curry praised Greenwood and Leflore County leaders for their help.
“Milwaukee Tool is growing fast, and we expect more in the future,” she said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com. Staff Writer Chloe Ricks contributed to this report.
