ELKHART — Crown Audio announced plans to expand its operations that will lead to 44 new jobs in Elkhart.

Representatives of Crown presented plans for their expansion Monday night, March 4, during an Elkhart City Council meeting.

The council, in turn, took the first step toward granting tax abatement for the manufacturer of professional sounds systems.

Terry Davenport, director of operations for Harman Professional, the parent company of Crown, said the company is intent on making the Elkhart plant a “center of excellence” for its amplifier business unit.

“We have the expertise here today,” Davenport told the council. “If there should be any consolidation to be done, it should be done here.”

Crown is seeking a tax abatement spanning seven years.

The company is investing $1 million in personal property and about $500,000 in real property, according to Barkley Garrett, the city director of economic development for the city.

The council voted 9-0 in support of the abatement plan and will need one more vote to finalize it.