After months of uncertainty, iDeal commits to St Johns County

Owners of Volusia County manufacturer, iDeal Aluminum Products, Michael Siegel and Doug Brady, based in DeLand, announced to Historic City News that they will relocate its headquarters and manufacturing plant to St. Johns County with plans to take occupancy by the fourth quarter of this year.

The company, makers of aluminum fencing, gates and railing that are sold in more than 20 states and the Caribbean, says that they will make a reported $6.5 million in capital investment to a warehouse at 3200 Parker Drive in St. Augustine; just east of the Prime Outlets off Interstate 95.

In exchange for at least 90 jobs, iDeal Aluminum is being offered $159,560 in economic development incentives; including $90,000 in a state qualified target industry tax refund, with $18,000 of that coming from the county; $48,000 in a state “quick response training” grant; and $21,560 St. Johns County local economic development grant, according to a deal negotiated by the county’s economic development director, Melissa Glasgow.

It’s not yet known how many of the employees will relocate from DeLand and how many will be hired locally. About 65 of the jobs are manufacturing and the rest are sales and headquarters staff. The jobs have an average wage of $40,000 per year, representing 10% percent higher than the county’s average wage. Executives estimate that about 100 people will be employed at the plant by the end of the year.

iDeal reported their interest in buying the 145,500 square-foot-warehouse and began negotiations on incentives in December.