Sebree leases former Carhartt building

A city-owned industrial building could soon house a new manufacturing company, Sebree Mayor Ron Todd announced during a meeting of the Sebree City Council Monday night.

The building, once a site for Carhartt Midwest Inc., was deeded to the city after Carhartt closed its operation there last year, and has set vacant for several months.

The lease agreement allows for Pioneer Plastics of Dixon to lease the building, and Todd said either party may terminate the lease agreement at any time by giving “reasonable” notice.

Ed Knapp, president and owner of Pioneer Plastics, said his company needs the building to house tool boxes it is currently making for a third party.

“We’ve just begun a relationship with a company that sells tool boxes... and they asked us to mold this product for them,” Knapp said.

He said in addition to using the building for storage, Pioneer Plastics will also house a decorating operation in the former Carhatt site.

Knapp said the making of tool boxes means 50 to 60 new jobs in Dixon, and the decorating operation at the Sebree location will start with two to three jobs, and could grow, as the operation becomes more successful.