* 1A Auto Expansion Info Session

1A Auto Expansion Plan to Create 150 New Jobs and Increase Pepperell’s Business Base
 
PEPPERELL, MASSACHUSETTS – An information session has been scheduled to outline the details of 1A Auto’s expansion plans in the Town of Pepperell.  The session will be held from 5:00PM to 6:30PM on Thursday April 16, 2015 at the Lawrence Library located at 15 Main Street, Pepperell, Massachusetts.  1A Auto is a second-generation, family-owned business providing automotive parts and solutions online and direct to consumers. Headquartered in Pepperell, Massachusetts, 1A Auto has been operated by the Green family since 1990.
 
Stephen Themelis, Member of the Board of Selectmen said: “This is a Win-Win for the Town of Pepperell.  The 1A Auto business expansion plan will be a huge economic development boost to the Town of Pepperell and our local economy.  I welcome this type of economic growth.”
 
1A Auto has proposed expansion plans and is excited about the many ways in which this project will benefit the Town. This proposed project would keep one of the largest employers in Pepperell, increase Pepperell’s tax base, repurpose an abandoned property in town, retain 95 jobs, and create 150 new jobs.
1A Auto is in the process of applying for a 15-year Tax Increment Financing (TIF) which requires Town Meeting approval.  The informational session is geared toward providing economic development details about the proposed TIF and needed for Pepperell’s Annual Town Meeting on May 4, 2015.
 
Mark Andrews, Town Administrator indicated:  “The creation of good paying jobs is a key to economic success.  The administration has made economic development and job creation a top priority.  According to the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance, the State’s unemployment rate was 5.6% and the Town of Pepperell had an unemployment rate of 5.0 percent.  I am glad to have 1A Auto cite their national headquarter in Pepperell and create an additional 150 good paying jobs that will be open to our residents.  The administration is working on various economic development initiatives that will create jobs and expand our local business base.” 
 
The redevelopment of the former Mill Site started to take shape in March of 2015.  1A Auto has proposed to build a new 100,000 square foot office building to create their signature North American headquarters in Pepperell.  The project investment is projected at $26.8 million which includes $25 million in soft and hard construction and related costs, and $1.8 million for personal property and associated equipment.  This proposed facility will house their corporate headquarters and retain 95 jobs in the Town of Pepperell.  The new jobs will require a blend of skills, including software engineers, product development, call center operators, information technology experts and office and administrative staff.  Moreover, a myriad of temporary construction jobs will add to the local “multiplier-effect” and circulate those dollars in the local economy.  Currently, it is estimated that 1A Auto contracts with dozens of local businesses which employ over 100 employees in the town of Pepperell.  1A auto has a national presence with distribution centers located facilities in Kansas, Arizona and Massachusetts.
The public is invited and light refreshments will be served.