Ohio approves tax breaks for Hyland Software expansion in Westlake

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved credits Monday to Hyland Software to help fund the expansion of its headquarters in Westlake. The company has not yet confirmed its expansion plans.

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority on Monday approved credits to encourage Hyland Software to expand its Westlake office. The company has not yet confirmed its expansion plans. Plain Dealer Files

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Westlake's Hyland Software on Monday won state tax credits that could encourage the company to expand its headquarters and add 387 jobs.

City officials approved the company's expansion plans earlier this month, but officials at Hyland on Monday declined to discuss their plans.

The city plans call for the construction of a three-story, 112,000-square-foot building across the street from the former Nordson's headquarters building that now houses Hyland.

The company's OnBase document management software has grown rapidly in recent years. So far this year, it has added 300 new workers, company officials said earlier this month.

On Monday, the company announced it had launched a United Kingdom subsidiary, Hyland Software UK Ltd., to expand sales in Europe.

Hyland Chief Operating Officer Bill Priemer said in a news release that it had become "increasingly more important to demonstrate our commitment to our customers in the region. The subsidiary will help Hyland create a deeper connection with our customers and legally solidifies Hyland's presence in the UK and Europe."

The company has had a sales office in Britain for the past 12 years.

The tax credits approved Monday by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority would rebate 50 percent of Hyland's state tax burden for five years if it creates 387 jobs generated more than $13.5 million in annual payroll. The company must keep those jobs for eight years to keep the credit.

In its report to the tax credit authority, the Ohio Development Services Agency said Hyland was also considering locations in California, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Michigan and North Carolina for the headquarters expansion.

The company has about 1,100 employees.