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Sabroso applies for enterprise zone Sabroso Co. is applying to the state for an enterprise zone in south Medford. The zone would give the fruit-products business a property tax exemption on improvements for three to five years, said Preston Polasek, an assistant to the Medford city manager. The zone would encompass about 18 blocks from Barnett Road to Eleventh Street and from the railroad tracks to Grape Street. It would affect Sabroso as well as Naumes Inc. and a couple of other properties in south Medford. If granted, the zone would be the fifth inside Medford's urban growth boundary -- including a zone for Boise Cascade, which was granted last fall. On Thursday, the Medford City Council decided unanimously to authorize Sabroso's application and pass it along to the Oregon Economic Development Department. Council members praised the idea. "We should be offering incentives for established businesses to expand," said Councilman Bill Moore. "We're always trying to create economic development," Councilman Skip Knight said, "and this is one of the least expensive ways of doing it." Carl Brophy, a Medford attorney representing Southern Oregon Sales Inc., said that company is also studying a possible expansion and wanted the proposed enterprise zone expanded south to Stewart Avenue, encompassing the company's property. City staff suggested Southern Oregon Sales apply for a separate enterprise zone next month. Sabroso Co. employs about 200 people and has been in the Rogue Valley since 1964. It is the world's largest producer of fruit puree, which is used in baby foods, fruit rollups and smoothies. Last year, the city granted Sabroso's request to vacate part of Grape Street to allow construction of a building across the vacated street. The expansion will allow Sabroso to add 30 employees. Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA