Window firm pulls in $300K in state incentives

SARASOTA — County officials approved up to $300,000 in performance-based sustainable energy incentives for PGT Inc., a Venice-based impact-resistant window and door manufacturer.

The funds come from the Florida-run Energy Economic Zone pilot program, according to a release. The program is designed to help communities cultivate green economic development, encourage renewable electric energy and promote manufacturing of products that contribute to energy conservation and green jobs.

Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved the incentives during a Feb. 11 meeting. The performance-based incentives have no impact on the county's budget, the release states. Sarasota County, one of two communities to participate in the state's EEZ pilot, has up to $300,000 in state incentives available in any fiscal year.

PGT received $600,000 in incentives from Sarasota County under a different, county-run program in 2010. The firm was required to add 400 jobs and it ultimately hired more than 700 people. It now has around 1,700 employees. The publicly traded company (symbol: PGTI, recent share price: $8.46) had $239.3 million in revenues in fiscal 2013.