Opelika council approves tax abatement for H.L. Mando American Corporation tied to $5 million investment

The Opelika City Council on Dec. 16 approved a resolution authorizing tax abatements and exemptions for H.L. Mando American Corporation, part of an economic development package staff said is tied to approximately $5,000,000 in new investment and the creation of roughly 15 jobs.

"H.L. Mando came to us a couple weeks ago, with a continued investment around $5,000,000, to bring some new manufacturing equipment and office equipment for a new line that they're doing," Jonathan Woodard, senior project manager for economic development, told the council. Woodard said the company installs disc brakes for the automotive industry and "they will be creating an additional 15 jobs with this new abatement."

Woodard also said the abatement equates to roughly $613,000 in tax value and that the company planned to begin work early in the coming year. Council members asked questions and then voted to approve the resolution by roll call.

Why it matters: The abatement is intended to incentivize local investment and job creation. The council approved the resolution after staff presentation; the transcript does not record a detailed economic‑incentive agreement or long‑term performance metrics in the meeting.

Next steps: The resolution passed and staff will implement the approved abatement terms; further details such as the abatement schedule and any performance conditions were not specified in the meeting record and should be requested from economic development staff for full public disclosure.