Armstrong Coal Reopens Big Run Mine in Ohio County

Armstrong Coal Company will resume coal production at the dormant Big Run underground mine in Ohio County.  The project is expected to initially create 415 jobs and a total of 923 jobs after four years.  Average annual wages will be approximately $48,900, with a total annual payroll of more than $45 million upon full employment.

Plans for Armstrong Coal, formed in 2006, call for resumption of production at Big Run, construction of preparation plants and mixing facilities at a rail loading facility known as "Midway," as well as at a former barge loading facility known as "Smallhous Dock."  The company also will rebuild a rail spur at the Midway facility and renovate the barge terminal.

"Armstrong Coal was seeking a community prepared to demonstrate its commitment to the coal industry before making an investment of this magnitude," said Lexington-based attorney Mason Miller, speaking on behalf of Armstrong Coal.  "The approved incentives will permit Armstrong Coal to take immediate steps to reopen mines in western Kentucky and begin to contribute to the revitalization of the Kentucky coal industry."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Armstrong Coal for tax benefits up to $16 million under the Kentucky Industrial Revitalization Act (KIRA), an incentive program to encourage the rehabilitation of manufacturing or coal mining and processing operations that are in imminent danger of permanently closing or that have closed temporarily. 

Under a 2007 amendment to the act, companies reopening coal mines that have been permanently closed may also be eligible for KIRA benefits.  Before final approval of the project can be given, a third-party consultant must conduct a feasibility study and find that a project is financially feasible.  Benefits also are contingent upon employment of 500 persons by the company within the commonwealth.

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Aska USA Corp. Announces New Manufacturing Facility in Frankfort

"Kentucky is a primary destination for foreign investment, calling home to over 380 international companies representing 26 countries," said Governor Ernie Fletcher.  "Kentucky is delighted to welcome Aska Corporation as its newest corporate citizen, and we look forward to assisting them as they grow and prosper right here in Franklin County."

The company has purchased a 20,000 square-foot facility on approximately 9.5 acres in the Franklin County Industrial Park.  Plans for the facility include the manufacture of factory automation systems.  Additionally, the facility will handle sales and after-sales maintenance work. 

"It has been my dream to start a business in the United States.  We are very pleased to establish the Aska USA Corporation in Frankfort, Kentucky, which is surrounded by a beautiful environment and excellent employees," said Keisho Katayama, president of Aska Corporation.  "We appreciate all of the help from the state of Kentucky in selecting the commonwealth for this venture.  We are looking forward to Aska USA becoming an important part of the state and local community."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Aska Corporation for tax benefits up to $300,000 under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act.

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Aspen Compressor LLC Opens Mini-Compressor Manufacturing Facility in Somerset

Aspen Compressor LLC recently celebrated the opening of a mini-compressor manufacturing plant in Somerset.  The $18 million project is expected to create 40 high-tech jobs and more than 200 jobs in all. 

The technology-based company, which manufactures miniature compressors for defense and civilian use, plans to supply its state-of-the-art products to original equipment manufacturers.  The 19,400 square-foot plant, on Chappelle Dairy Road, houses a "clean room" and lab space for research and development.

"Air conditioning started with a Massachusetts native, Willis H. Carrier, exactly 100 years ago in 1907, forming Carrier Air Conditioning Corporation of America. Today's plant opening in Somerset by Aspen Compressor marks a small but significant step toward more energy-efficient air conditioning as we embark on the second 100 years of air conditioning.  We are very glad to have found a home in a very hospitable and business-friendly community," said company Chief Executive Officer Kang P. Lee at the event. 

Aspen Compressor is an affiliate of Aspen Systems Inc. (ASI), which develops advanced technologies and products for energy, environmental and defense applications.  ASI and its affiliates are global technology companies providing leading-edge solutions for defense, aerospace, law enforcement, chemical, oil and gas, and health care industries.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) granted final approval to Aspen Compressor for up to $1 million in tax benefits under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state.

KEDFA also granted approval to the Pulaski County Fiscal Court for $500,000 in funding through the Economic Development Bond pool for the benefit of the new plant.  The funds are part of the budget appropriation specifically for Department of Commercialization and Innovation projects.

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AT&T Kentucky to Bring More Than 350 New Jobs to Louisville

AT&T has chosen its Louisville AT&T Kentucky facility to establish a customer care center, creating more than 350 jobs in the commonwealth.  AT&T expects to invest $1.5 million to accommodate the additional employees and anticipates the new jobs will result in an annual payroll of around $10 million.

The new operation will consist of a 36,383 square-foot customer care center within the company's existing location on West Chestnut Street in downtown Louisville.

"We are able to invest in Kentucky and bring these jobs to Louisville because of the leadership of our governor, state legislators, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Louisville Metro officials," said Joan Coleman, AT&T Kentucky president.  "We are very encouraged by the favorable business environment they have created for telecom investment and job expansion."

Employees in the new Louisville positions will assist AT&T High Speed Internet subscribers who need technical support for their service. The jobs are part of an initiative involving the relocation of customer service positions that had previously been outsourced.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved AT&T Kentucky for tax benefits up to $4 million under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act, an incentive program designed to increase service- and technology-related employment in the state.

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BRUSS North America Breaks Ground on Expansion in Russell County

BRUSS North America, a German company specializing in sealing systems for transmissions and engines, broke ground in August on a $24 million expansion of the company's industrial facility in Russell County.  The company, which currently employs 165, is expected to grow by an additional 150 employees due to the expansion. 

The expansion will add 71,400 square feet of manufacturing space and 54,000 square feet of warehousing space to the plant in the Russell County Business Park. Completion of the project is scheduled for fall 2008.

"Due to the hard work of our employees, the phenomenal support from the local community and state officials and the confidence of our customers, it is an honor for me as president of BRUSS North America to announce the expansion of our North American operations in Russell Springs," said Robert M. Rapone, president and chief executive officer, BRUSS North America.  "It is also an honor for our BRUSS family to have been associated with such a fine group of people, making this expansion a reality."

BRUSS operates seven production plants around the globe and generates approximately $200 million in annual sales.  The Russell Springs plant, which opened in September 2001, is the company's only U.S. production operation and is also its North American corporate headquarters.  The expansion will enable the company to manufacture automotive valve covers, seals and gaskets.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has approved BRUSS North America for a funding package worth $2.5 million to aid expansion.

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Compass Airlines Lands at Louisville International Airport

Compass Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwest Airlines, announced last month it will build an aircraft hangar and maintenance center at Louisville International Airport.  The project will create up to 70 full-time jobs with an annual payroll in excess of $3 million.  The airline operates regional jet aircraft under the Northwest Airlink banner. 

"This announcement is the first step in the completion of another major milestone for Compass Airlines," said Compass Airlines President John Bendoraitis.  "The Louisville maintenance facility will provide Compass with the solid foundation needed to ensure a successful future, and we are excited to become a larger part of this great community." 

Compass will build a $9.85 million, three-bay aircraft maintenance facility on 4.8 acres along Crittenden Drive.  In addition, a 53,000-square-foot hangar with support shops, parts storage and offices will service up to three Embraer E-175s per night.  Completion of the project is expected by fall 2008.

Service will be provided between Northwest Airlines hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis and cities throughout the United States and Canada.  The Louisville expansion will allow the company to maintain its focus on safe and reliable air transportation and great customer service.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Compass Airlines for tax benefits up to $2 million under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand technology- and service-related industries.

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Florida Tile Celebrates Grand Opening of Porcelain Plant in Lawrenceburg

Cabinet for Economic Development officials joined with community and legislative leaders in Anderson County on September 13, to celebrate the grand opening of Florida Tile's new porcelain plant in Lawrenceburg.  The $15 million investment revitalizes production at the facility, while securing 121 existing jobs.  Anticipated growth in production over the next few years is expected to result in the addition of another 67 new jobs.

Panariagroup, an Italian-owned company, purchased Florida Tile in February 2006, and decided to consolidate its two U.S. manufacturing facilities, located in Shannon, Georgia and Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.  Production of the company's new porcelain line was shifted to Lawrenceburg to better respond to the evolving needs of its customer base.

"Our investment in Kentucky is evidence of our long-term commitment to the U.S. market," said Emilio Mussini, president of Florida Tile.  "The logistically-favorable location, the well-developed infrastructure and the great support of state and local authorities has driven our decision to keep expanding our presence in Lawrenceburg."

Leveraging its shared R&D between the U.S. and Italy, Florida Tile will be able to introduce multiple new porcelain tile products inspired by the American market, co-developed in Italy, and made in the U.S.  The new production line, with additional investments, will expand capacity at the facility to an excess of 70 million square-feet per year. 

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority granted Florida Tile final approval for tax benefits up to $5,640,000 under the Kentucky Industrial Revitalization Act, an incentive program designed to rehabilitate manufacturing operations in imminent danger of permanently closing.

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Halton Company to Expand Plant in Allen County

Halton Company, a manufacturer of engineered commercial ventilation systems, will invest $2.2 million to expand its plant in Scottsville. The expansion will create up to 60 new, full-time jobs.

A subsidiary of Halton Group Americas in Bowling Green, Halton Company makes commercial kitchen ventilation systems for restaurants, institutional food service facilities, stadiums and kiosk outlets.  The expansion will add approximately 30,000 square feet to the plant in the Scottsville Industrial Park.  Construction is to begin within the month and be completed in the spring.

"We are pleased and excited to see the positive growth that continues at Halton Company," said Rick Bagwell, president of Halton Group Americas. "When we located to Scottsville in 1997, Halton Company employed 27 people. Today, we employ 120 people at the location, and the growth continues."

Halton Group Americas will also purchase the remaining acreage in the Scottsville Industrial Park. "With the latest expansion of Halton Company, we are out of useable growth acreage," said Bagwell. "The purchase of the adjoining properties will allow us to continue our overall growth in a planned, consistent manner in the future. The great support of the state and local officials, coupled with centralized logistics, makes Kentucky an important place in Halton's future."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Halton Company for tax benefits up to $1.5 million under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing operations in the state.

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Homecare Products to Open Manufacturing Plant in Union County

Governor Ernie Fletcher and Economic Development Cabinet officials visited Union County in early September for an announcement that Homecare Products Inc., a designer and maker of wheelchair ramps, will open a manufacturing plant in the Morganfield Industrial Park.  The new plant, to be operated by the company's EZ Access subsidiary, will bring 135 new jobs and an investment of more than $3 million to the region.

EZ Access will design and manufacture portable wheelchair ramps and modular wheelchair ramps for residential use. Homecare Products will purchase and finish out a 100,000 square-foot "spec" building on 21 acres in the Morganfield Industrial Park.

"Homecare Products is very excited about our new partnership with the state of Kentucky and Union County," said Dave Baile, director of manufacturing and product development.  "Over the last year we have researched and negotiated with several states and local governments in an effort to secure a viable manufacturing and distribution point for our products. By a large margin, we have found Kentucky, and particularly Union County, to be more business friendly, cooperative and welcoming."

Production plans for the Union County plant include the manufacture of a new commercial ramp line, as well as products currently produced in its Seattle facilities.  Homecare Products will also utilize the Morganfield site for distribution of its entire product line to the eastern United States.  The company has indicated that all future manufacturing expansions will take place in Union County.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Homecare Products for tax benefits up to $1.6 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act.

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LORD Corporation to Expand Operations in Bowling Green

LORD Corporation, a global developer and manufacturer of products and technologies for the vehicle and equipment industry, recently announced its intent to expand its manufacturing facility in Bowling Green.  The project will result in 80 new, full-time jobs and represents an investment of over $3 million in the commonwealth.

The Bowling Green facility, which manufactures shock, vibration and noise control products for the vehicle and equipment industry, will handle the increased production resulting from the implementation of the company's five-year strategic plan.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved LORD Corporation for tax benefits up to $1.2 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act.

"LORD Corporation is pleased to partner with the greater Bowling Green area and the state of Kentucky to support our business growth," said Rick McNeel, president and CEO of LORD Corporation.  "The tax benefits offered by the state of Kentucky, together with LORD Corporation's commitment to continuous improvement, will allow us to maintain a profitable business in a competitive world environment."

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Plasticware LLC Announces Restoration of Jobs, Production in Rockcastle County

Governor Ernie Fletcher and Cabinet for Economic Development officials recently joined business and government leaders of Rockcastle County and representatives of Plasticware LLC to celebrate the grand opening of the company's plant at Mount Vernon.  The new operation, which revives a plant closed earlier this year, represents a $16 million investment in the commonwealth.

Plasticware, one of the largest producers of plastic deli containers, acquired the former Alcoa Reynolds Food Packaging™ facility in Mount Vernon after Alcoa announced on March 1 that it would close the plant. Plasticware has retained 79 former Alcoa employees and anticipates rehiring as many as 112. It also expects to eventually add as many as 28 new employees. 

"We saw a great opportunity in the marketplace and the community to provide the best containers and lids in the industry," said Jacob Deutsch, executive vice president of Plasticware.  "We know the key to success is the Mount Vernon plant's 25 years of experience, its management team and its devoted employees."

Plasticware produces a full range of deli containers, many with custom shapes, sizes, styles and printing.  Plans for the facility at Mount Vernon include the purchase of additional equipment in order to market its products throughout the continental United States under the names Del-Ware and MVP Food Packaging. 

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Plasticware LLC for tax benefits up to $3.8 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act.

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Sekisui S-Lec America Celebrates Grand Opening in Winchester

Governor Ernie Fletcher and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Hindman also participated in the event. 

"One of the top priorities of my administration is to bring well-paying, competitive jobs to Kentucky," said Governor Fletcher.  "We are honored that an internationally respected company like Sekisui S-Lec has chosen to make its home in Winchester. Today's grand opening represents new job opportunities for dozens of families in the region."

Sekisui's new facility is on 23 acres in the Winchester Industrial Park.  Production capacity is expected to be approximately 6 million automobile units per year.

Sekisui's decision to locate in Kentucky underscored the state's prominence as a catalyst for the automotive industry. Kentucky is the third-largest producer of cars and light trucks and is home to nearly 500 motor vehicle-related industries. Sekisui's major customers are concentrated along Interstate-75, and the availability of an industrial park complete with infrastructure figured prominently in the company's decision. 

"Sekisui S-Lec America is very excited about our new home in Winchester, Kentucky," said company President Tsuyoshi "Tony" Okano.  "We would like to thank all of the people who were involved in making Sekisui S-Lec America LLC a reality.  We promise you that our high quality interlayer film will contribute to car safety, comfort, and the environment."

Sekisui S-Lec America is a subsidiary of Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., which was established in 1947, in Osaka, Japan, and employs more than 17,000 people worldwide.  Kentucky is home to more than 380 international companies with 73,000 employees.  Of those companies, 148 are Japanese-owned, and they employ nearly 38,000 Kentuckians.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Sekisui S-Lec America for up to $1.6 million in tax benefits under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act.

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Glasgow Welcomes Sitel Operating Corp. Call Center

Governor Ernie Fletcher joined community and business leaders of Glasgow, Barren County and Sitel Operating Corp. this summer to announce Sitel's opening of a contact center in Glasgow.  Sitel is a leading global provider of outsourced customer care services. The 45,000 square-foot, inbound call center will create approximately 580 new, full-time jobs. 

"The support and commitment from the citizens and government of Glasgow and the state of Kentucky have been tremendous," said David Garner, president and chief executive officer of Sitel. "Additional thanks extend to Western Kentucky University for its support, and we look forward to collaborating with its staff and administration as we train our future workforce."

The new facility will provide customer service and technical support via phone, e-mail or chat to Sitel clients in the entertainment or technology industries. The facility will include a training center with 80 to 100 training stations to educate new associates and support existing employees.

With facilities in 28 countries, Sitel provides contact center services in 32 languages to clients in diverse and growing end markets.  On average, the company handles 3 million interactions per day through a worldwide workforce of more than 67,000.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Sitel for tax benefits up to $6 million under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand technology- and service-related industries.

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Sub-Zero Wolf Inc. to Locate Appliance Manufacturing Facility in Richmond

Luxury home appliance manufacturer, Sub-Zero Wolf Inc., recently revealed its plan to locate a new facility in Richmond.  The company plans to acquire 45 acres for its 200,000 square-foot facility in Madison County, creating an estimated 100 new, full-time jobs and investing $35.5 million in the state.

"Kentucky is pleased to welcome a company such as Sub-Zero Wolf, whose reputation for quality is renowned," said Governor Ernie Fletcher.  "This multimillion-dollar investment in the Richmond community will have a tremendous impact on dozens of families in the region.  We look forward to years of growth and prosperity."

Founded in 1945, and now in its third generation of family ownership and management, Sub-Zero offers innovative, aesthetically appealing and technologically advanced solutions to meet virtually any home refrigeration need.  For more than 70 years, the Wolf brand has been synonymous with professional cooking equipment for restaurants and hotels.  Now as part of Sub-Zero, the Wolf line has been adapted for the serious residential cook.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Sub-Zero Wolf Inc. for tax benefits up to $1.5 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act.

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Toyota Boshoku America Opens Home Office in Erlanger

Governor Ernie Fletcher and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Hindman recently joined officials of Toyota Boshoku America in celebrating the grand opening of the company's North America home office in Erlanger.  The company is creating 100 professional, high-paying jobs in northern Kentucky. The company's location decision was announced by Governor Fletcher in April. 

Toyota Boshoku America is a premier manufacturer of automotive interior systems, in addition to air and oil filters and power train systems for a variety of customers such as Toyota Motor Corporation and General Motors.  The home office, located in the Dolwick Business Center, has hired 40 employees to date and is on target to reach its goal of 100 employees by summer 2008.

"Toyota Boshoku America is excited and proud to become part of the northern Kentucky business community," said Kiyoshi "Nate" Furuta, the company's chairman and chief executive office.  "I want to thank Governor Fletcher, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Northern Kentucky Tri-ED for its tremendous support in bringing our home office to Erlanger.  Toyota Boshoku America is a growing company and northern Kentucky is a good place to live, offers great access to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and provides a strong labor pool to support us."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Toyota Boshoku America for tax benefits up to $2.1 million under the Kentucky Jobs Development Act, to encourage the project's location in Kentucky.

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Wind Energy Corp. Locates New Manufacturing Facility in Morgantown, Expands Headquarters in Elizabethtown

Strong winds are blowing here in Kentucky thanks to the announcement by Wind Energy Corporation, a high-tech start-up company founded in April 2007, to locate a new manufacturing facility in Morgantown.  The company will develop, manufacture and sell unique, next-generation wind turbines to the middle wind market segment. 

The project is expected to create 260 full-time jobs within five years and represents an investment of more than $6.1 million in the south central Kentucky region.    Additionally, Wind Energy will expand its headquarters operation in Elizabethtown by 35 full-time, highly technical or executive positions.

"We are working hard to bring an economically viable wind turbine to market, and Kentucky has been our greatest fan," said Gregory Thomson, the company's president and chief operating officer.  "We have a dedicated team at Wind Energy and are all excited and grateful for the support from Kentucky and the city of Morgantown." 

Wind Energy will acquire a 133,200 square-foot facility on 17 acres in Morgantown. The company expects to begin manufacturing by the end of the year.  Unlike traditional, propeller-driven turbines that require a minimum of 8-12 mph wind speed and an average of one acre of clear land for each turbine, the Wind Energy product will be designed to operate in as little as 4 mph of wind velocity without motor assist.  Additionally, Wind Energy turbines are not harmful to birds.

The product is intended to be a distributed "green" power source for multiple type users, helping to relieve the strain on the national electric grid and providing electric power to developing regions globally.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Wind Energy for tax benefits up to $3,405,000 under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act, which provides incentives to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state.

KEDFA also approved $595,000 grant from the High-Tech Investment Pool for Wind Energy's corporate headquarters in Elizabethtown. 

"Kentucky is pleased to partner with Wind Energy Corporation, as it works to create high-tech opportunities for the citizens of south central Kentucky and Elizabethtown," said Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary John Hindman.  "I applaud the vision shown by community leaders in the region, bringing this project to fruition."

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