Iten Defense LLC, an Ohio manufacturer of composite armor products used by police and military clients, plans to add 102 jobs over the next five years.
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority signed off Oct. 25 on an incentive tied to the company's growth in the village of Saybrook. That 1.098 percent, seven-year tax credit is worth an estimated $215,000, though the actual amount of the award will depend on hiring and payroll at the facility.
The company makes fiberglass ballistic panels and other parts that its customers integrate into protective gear, military vehicles, boats and planes. Iten Defense was formed in 2019 through the sale of the defense operations of Iten Industries Inc., a nearly century-old plastics manufacturer in Ashtabula.
Ohio is vying against Virginia for the proposed expansion, according to a project summary from the Ohio Department of Development. To boost its capacity, the company is making investments in buildings, machinery and equipment, the state said.
Iten Defense expects to add nearly $3.7 million to its annual payroll by Dec. 31, 2026. The company also has committed to retaining more than $3 million in existing payroll.
Under the tax-credit agreement, Iten Defense must maintain operations in Saybrook for at least a decade.
The tax credit authority approved aid for five projects during its Monday meeting in Columbus. The Iten Defense deal was the only Northeast Ohio proposal.
Officials expect the corporate expansions to create 679 jobs and preserve 549 positions while generating $42 million in new payroll across the state.