County woos high-tech factory with $2.5M tax break

TAMPA — Hillsborough County Commissioners are expected Wednesday to consider granting a new Siemens joint venture a seven-year tax break if the German manufacturer elects to develop a new $130 million, high-tech factory in the county.

If Siemens and partner Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corp. decide to develop their new production plant in Florida, the move would create “up to 350 jobs,” according to a Siemens press release issued in Germany last month.

County officials also will consider a resolution that would provide the new joint venture with $1.05 million, matching a state "Qualified Target Industries Tax Refund" contribution. The county contribution would be spread out over 10 years, beginning in fiscal year 2019, according to the commission's agenda.