Aulick Industries is posed to add 30-40 new jobs at their facility in Scottsbluff with assistance from a $750,000 loan through LB840, which authorizes Nebraska cities to collect and appropriate local tax dollars for economic development purposes.
Aulick Industries, a NPPD retail customer and family-owned subsidiary of Original Equipment Company, specializes in the manufacturing and sale of quality belt trailers, chain floor trailers, dump boxes and dump carts for the construction, landscaping and agricultural transportation industry.
The city awarded Aulick Industries a $750,000 forgivable loan through the City of Scottsbluff’s LB 840 program during a city council meeting September 21. The loan is forgivable based on job creation of 31 employees over a maximum of 10 years.
General truck shop manager Austin Aulick said their current facility, a former state roads department building, has lent itself very well for its purpose. However, a new facility currently under construction will allow the company to operate more efficiently and grow the business.
“We’ve outgrown that facility for that division of Aulick Industries,” Aulick said. “We had the lot where the new building is being built, and we decided it was time. Due to growth, and because we had the lot, we built a 35,000 square-foot facility.”
The new facility will be used to manufacture reconditioned diesel trucks, Aulick ag boxes and other equipment, according to Aulick.
Aulick Industries was founded in 1952 and has had a significant impact on Scottsbluff’s economy community ever since.
“That’s a family-owned company that started with just three or four employees, and they’ve grown to over 120,” according to Starr Lehl, Scottsbluff economic development director.
But Aulick Industries’ expansion is not the only significant impact they will have in the community. They are also partnering with Western Nebraska Community College on a new diesel technician program. The new program will solve a major hurdle not only Aulick Industries, but other equipment and machinery companies have in the area—finding qualified talent.
The diesel tech program will help ensure that skilled job applicants can hit the ground running once hired, rather than needing a lot of on-the-job training.
Terry Rajewich, NPPD Retail Account Manager, is excited to see Aulick Industries’ plans come to fruition. “Aulick Industries’ plans for expansion and their partnership with Western Nebraska Community College will have both an immediate and lasting impact on the economic landscape of this region.”