Port of Ephrata, Wash., wants to make sure its new business partner – Washington Tire Corp. – is a legitimate company.
The port authority has demanded WTC submit documents showing that the company has “legitimate incorporation” and that WTC president Abraham Hengyucius has “legal authority” to conduct business on its behalf.
Hengyucius and WTC want to build a $1 billion passenger, truck and giant OTR manufacturing plant in the town, and have secured a deal to purchase 97 acres of land at the Port of Ephrata for an estimated $970,000.
The port has given WTC until Aug. 25 to furnish the necessary paperwork proof of its status.
According to news reports, the port was alerted to Hengyucius using a second name, Hengyu Zhang. Before concluding the land sale to WTC, the port wants to be clear about who is signing and on what authority to ensure the sales contract is binding.