Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Millwood Inc. CFO Bruce Krarup of Howland talks about the expansion of the business in Vienna Township.

WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners approved a 10-year, 60 percent tax abatement for Millwood Inc. for a $5 million expansion of its national headquarters at 3708 International Blvd., Vienna.

Nick Coggins, Trumbull Planning Commission, described Millwood as a local business that has experienced significant growth since it was founded in the mid-1990s. The company makes pallets, crates and other wood-based products, as well as other products used for shipping.

“This will be a 17,000-square-foot expansion of our facility,” Bruce Krarup, chief financial officer of Millwood Inc. said. “After this is complete, we will add between 40 and 50 new employees.”

The company hopes to break ground for the building in November and complete the project in 2024.

Millwood Inc. has facilities at 39 sites in 13 states, Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio. It has 12 sites in Ohio, including its headquarters in Vienna.

Annual property taxes on the $5 million construction would be an estimated $62,000 without the abatement, according to Mathews Schools Treasurer Bradley Panak. The abatement is projected to save the company $37,000 a year during the 10-year abatement period.

“Mathews schools is projected to receive an estimated $25,000 per year in taxes once the building is built,” Panak said.

Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa thanked Krarup for the company keeping its headquarters in Trumbull county and investing millions into the community,

“Oftentimes we think about Lordstown being a corridor for growth in Trumbull County, but Vienna is growing by leaps and bounds as well ” Cantalamessa said. “Putting $5 million of your own money is putting your money where your mouth is.”

Commission President Denny Malloy said that jobs coming into the Valley are not only in high-tech fields. Malloy described there is a growing number of people working on farms, in forestry and in various environmental fields.

“We are proud you’re headquartered in Trumbull County,” Malloy said. “This is a company that gives back to the community.”

Vienna Township Trustee Phil Pegg described the expansion of the company as a win for the township.

“Townships operate on property taxes and levies,” he said. “This is a benefit to everyone in the township when these expansions occur.”

The company recently opened a 43,200-square-foot space at 5232 Tod Ave. SW, including a chaplain who will be available 24/7 to meet personal, professional and spiritual needs of employees.

In 2022, the company expanded to five facilities.

rsmith@tribtoday.com