Beer distributor Andrews Distributing Co. is constructing a new facility in Fort Worth and also hopes to get a tax break from the city.
Andrews plans to build a 400,000 square-foot distribution center at 500 Northeast Loop 820. The facility will be used for beer shipments, storage and order fulfillment, among other uses.
The company is asking the city for a tax break worth about $620,000 over a five-year period. In order to be eligible for the tax abatement, Andrews will need to meet a number of requirements set by the city. Some of those requirements include maintaining at least 460 full-time equivalent jobs starting December 31, 2017, spending at least $14 million of construction costs with Fort Worth contractors and spending at least $8.8 million with minority or women-owned businesses.
Andrews plans to invest at least $37 million on the project. Construction should begin toward the end of the year, said Robert Sturns, the city’s economic development director.
The city council will hold a public hearing on the tax agreement on April 12, with a vote planned for April 19.
Andrew Distributing Co. has existing facilities in Fort Worth, Dallas, Corpus Christi and Allen. The company serves as the distributor for more than 300 beer brands including Coors, Corona and Dos Equis, as well as Fort Worth craft beer company Rahr & Sons.
In other council actions:Â
• Walsh Ranch annexation: The city council launched a series of public hearings for the proposed annexation of about 217.6 acres for the Walsh Ranch neighborhood. The land, located north of Interstate 30, is currently vacant. The first public hearing took place April 5, but no one participated. Another hearing is scheduled for April 12, and the city council will vote on the annexation May 3.
• Grant for Alliance runway extension: The city is applying for a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to help fund Alliance Airport’s runway extension project. The grant is worth up to $20 million and will help fund the construction of Runways 16L/34R and 16R/34L. The total project costs about $265.3 million, which includes the cost of construction, land acquisitions, utility relocations and other expenses. The project should finish in 2018.