WESTBROOK – With some help from the city, Schlotterbeck and Foss, a growing specialty foods and flavoring maker established in 1866, is moving its headquarters and production facility to Westbrook.

At the same time, SIGCO, a metal and glass fabricator, is expanding for the second time in less than a decade at its location in Westbrook Heights Business Park.

The new business ventures mean more property taxes coming in to the city and more job opportunities for residents.

On Monday, Westbrook city councilors approved the first step in an agreement with Schlotterbeck and Foss that would allow the company, now in Portland, to get a lower interest rate through the city to help pay for the cost of the move. Councilors also approved the sale of an adjacent city-owned parcel to SIGCO so the company can continue to grow without moving out of the city.

“There’s a lot of good stuff happening and lots more to come,” said Bill Baker, assistant city administrator for business and community relations.

Schlotterbeck and Foss might not sound familiar, but their products are commonly featured on the shelves of Trader Joe’s, Shaw’s and Hannaford under different brand names.

“Odds are we’re in your cabinet today,” said company CEO Paul Dioli, of the many sauces and condiments, including curry, cocktail sauce and sweet bay barbecue sauce produced by the company, while speaking during the City Council meeting.

The company recently signed a purchase and sales agreement for the former Pet Quarters building on Ledgeview Drive.

Dioli said the company had been searching for a space in Westbrook and even considered building a new structure before the Pet Quarters distribution site became available. Pet Quarters is moving to South Portland.

Schlotterbeck and Foss has two 30,000-square-foot buildings in Portland. Councilors approved allowing officials to take the first step in the inducement agreement, which allows Westbrook to apply for the $2.5 million industrial revenue bond that will help pay for the renovations and purchase of the building.

According to Jerre Bryant, city administrator, the agreement extends the city’s low interest rate to the company without affecting the city’s bond rating and at no obligation to the city should something happen and Schlotterbeck and Foss cannot pay back the bond.

The City Council recently approved a similar deal with Husson University, which is planning to move its campus from South Portland to 340 County Road.

“It’s been a lengthy process looking at existing buildings and the possibility of building, but we found, we think, the perfect site” for Schlotterbeck and Foss, said Bryant. “One of the key factors here is this lot in this location allowed them to continue their impressive pace of growth and remain in Westbrook for many, many years.”

Meanwhile, SIGCO, located in the Westbrook Heights Business Park, off Saco Street, is nearing the edge of its property with a second expansion, building out an additional 60,000 square feet since 2006. Because of the ongoing expansion and the availability of another adjacent empty lot for sale, SIGCO has decided to purchase the lot.

SIGCO paid $175,000 for 2.5 acres.

“It’s tremendous news,” Bryant said. “They’re an outstanding, growth-oriented business and they’ve been incredibly successful since they moved to Westbrook in 2006.”

Bryant said the company generates $100,000 in taxes per year for the city and employees 150 people.

There are no immediate plans for the development of the new parcel.

In other council news, partners in 250, a restaurant and bar to be located at 33 Elmwood Ave., have pulled out after neighbors complained that the establishment would negatively affect the area. Jacob Simcock and Linda Brabrook, who sought liquor, food service and amusement licenses for 250, were originally denied the licenses by the City Council July 1, after it was revealed there were more partners invested in the restaurant than listed on the applications. Bryant said the partners have discussed using their leased building to host functions. This means the catering company would need to be licensed by the state, but Simcock and Brabrook would not need local licenses to start the business.

Councilors Mike Sanphy and Mike Foley both advised the rest of the council and city officials to keep an eye on the property.