A manufacturer of erosion control straw will be setting up shop next year at the corner of 12th Street and 142nd Avenue in Dorr Township.

The Dorr Township Planning Commission Tuesday night approved a two-phase site plan application from Rhino Seed & Landscaping Supply, which also has businesses on Electric Avenue in Leighton Township and in Bradley.

Owner Andy Hilbert indicated to commission members he is willing to have 12th Street paved to better accommodate truck traffic that will be coming in on that gravel road along two driveways. He promised it will be an all-season paved road.

Rhino will move out of its facility on Electric Avenue and the building in Dorr Township will have 60,000 square feet and employ between 20 and 25 people. Plans are to eventually have a retail business on site.

Commission Trustee Larry Dolegowski said, “I think they’ve got a good plan here.” 

Doug Stolsonburg of Excel Engineering said it’s likely that work on the road will begin this spring.

The manufacturer plans to hook up to public water and sewer services.

The Plan Commission’s only hesitation was about providing enough parking, but was satisfied with the company’s plans to provide 48 spaces to start and as many as 26 more afterward, as needed.

The vote to approved the site plan application was 5-0.