A public hearing is scheduled at the start of the March 26 Morenci city council meeting to collect opinion about a proposed tax abatement.

General Broach of Morenci is seeking a standard abatement on the purchase of a new CNC form grinder. The equipment is similar to the company’s existing grinders, said manager Larry Stover, and the cost of the upgrade is listed at $569,630.

Employment has grown by four since the company last sought an abatement in 2008, Stover said, and the new equipment should add another job.

General Broach has remained busy with products related to the aeronautics industry, Stover said, but currently there’s a large backlog of orders for the automotive industry. The company ships orders to various locations around the world.

General Broach currently employs 66 people.