Council approves three‑year tax abatement for Philip Pattern & Casting to replace equipment, retain 34 jobs

MUNCIE, Ind. — The Muncie City Council on Jan. 6 adopted Resolution 1‑25, approving a three‑year deduction from assessed value for new manufacturing equipment at Philip Pattern & Casting Inc., a local metalcasting firm that said the investment will help it modernize and retain existing jobs.

Tracy Lutton of the Muncie‑Delaware County Economic Development Alliance told the council the company plans roughly $370,000 in equipment investment to replace obsolete machinery, which the Alliance and the company said will allow Philip Pattern & Casting to remain competitive for new business and better serve existing customers. “The investment total is about $370,000. This will allow them to retain their existing 34 employees,” Lutton said.

Jason Paul of Philip Pattern & Casting described a low turnover rate and said the company’s last abatement, granted in 2021, had aimed to retain 31 jobs and add one; the company reported it has exceeded that goal and now employs 34. Paul said most hiring at the firm comes through referrals or walk‑ins and that the company provides opportunities for employees to gain new skills.

The council’s action

Councilperson Pyle moved to adopt Resolution 1‑25, and Councilperson Selby seconded. A roll call vote followed and the council adopted the resolution. The company requested a three‑year abatement and indicated the abatement is intended to preserve existing jobs rather than produce immediate job growth.

Why this matters

Tax abatements for equipment are a common tool local governments use to encourage capital investment by existing employers. City officials said they want to support companies that invest in modernization and keep jobs in the local economy; council members who spoke in favor noted the company’s long local history (founded 1947) and low turnover.

Ending

The resolution authorizes a short, three‑year deduction tied to the new equipment. City staff and the company said they would monitor the company’s commitments and return to council if follow‑up was required.