P.K. Hightower, who participated in much of County Council's meeting at the Aiken County Government Center via telephone from Hong Kong, wasn't on the line when the panel made its decision.
According to the ordinance's language, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Palmetto Inc. "acting for themselves, one or more current or future affiliates, and other project sponsors" would like to "establish and/or expand a manufacturing and distribution facility in county."
If that happens, there would be a "taxable investment in real and personal property of not less than $400,000,000," the ordinance states.
During a public hearing prior to County Council's vote, Jeff Hutter, who is the plant manager for Kimberly-Clark's Beech Island facility, told the panel that nothing had been finalized.
The "potential new investment is still being evaluated by our [company's] CEO and board of directors," he said. "I'm not able to divulge full details as far as what the future plans may be. However, once the project is approved for our site, I will be sure to touch base back with the county.
"The requested [property tax] abatement will help boost our financial case with our board of directors as we go through the approval process," he added. "It will help increase the chances for that approval."
Operations began at Kimberly-Clark's Beech Island plant in 1968. Products made there include Huggies diapers, Kleenex facial tissues and Cottonelle toilet paper.
The plant has roughly 2,000 employees, Hutter said.
Several other people spoke during the public hearing and their comments included concerns about the use of resources such as power and water by new or expanding companies.
