American Outdoor Brands nears opening as commission approves land use plan

American Outdoor Brands will soon open its doors in Boone County.

Boone County County Commissioners approved the company’s land use plan at their meeting Tuesday and accepted a new driveway that’s been built so trucks can access the property.

“This was a milestone for American Outdoor Brands,” Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill told ABC 17 News.

The county now owns the newly built Enterprise Drive and will maintain it for the future. The driveway was built with a community block grant from the federal government. Last month, improvements were made to Route Z in anticipation of the new distribution center.

ABC 17 News reported back in April 2017 when the commission approved a tax break so the distribution center could be built. In exchange for the tax abatement, AOB agreed to create hundreds of new jobs.

Phase one of the project, which included building a 500,000 square foot warehouse and employing 89 people, is nearly complete. Phase two will include additions to the warehouse and hiring up to 325 employees.

“We think that these businesses can really start to support other businesses and attract other businesses to Columbia then it’s a very successful endeavor for us,” Commissioner Fred Parry said.