Connecticut-based Praxair is seeking tax abatements from the town of Burns Harbor for an $8 million to $10 million project which would test new technology.

Praxair Inc. is looking to implement nearly 5,000 hours of additional labor hoping to boost the town’s economic activity.

Praxair representatives, Economic and Business Development Director Greg Sweeney and Operations Manager Dennis Maxwell, spoke to the Burns Harbor Economic Development Commission on using the Burns Harbor facility to further test a new innovation that will increase efficiency in air separation technology.

Sweeney said he feels that Burns Harbor has the “size and scale” suited for their initiative and the company is looking to invest $8 to $10 million in the facility if the company’s chairman approves of the engagement.

Burns Harbor EDC president Cliff Fleming said he thinks the investment will bring the town new partnerships and prove cost effective.

As part of the deal, Praxair is also asking the commission for a 50 percent tax abatement on its personal property for a five-year period.

Layoffs are likely coming at Sallie Mae in Fishers and Muncie.

Three alternative energy companies are eyeing Tippecanoe County for wind farm locations.

The Lilly Endowment lost $1 billion in value last year.