Commonwealth of Kentucky
Cabinet for Economic Development

Governor Beshear Celebrates Grand Opening of American Howa Kentucky in Bowling Green

Frankfort, Ky. -- Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear was joined by company and local officials today to commemorate the grand opening of American Howa Kentucky, Inc., in Bowling Green. The new 80,000 square-foot facility, located in the Kentucky Transpark, will manufacture dash insulators, headliners, sunshades trims and other interior products for the automotive industry.

"I’m delighted to be here in Bowling Green this morning to celebrate the opening of American Howa Kentucky’s new facility," said Gov. Beshear. "Kentucky is well known for its prominence in the automotive industry and the addition of American Howa Kentucky will further enhance this image. The Bowling Green community is to be commended for its proactive efforts in creating a pro-business atmosphere where companies can locate, expand and prosper."

A leading automotive supplier, the American Howa Kentucky’s customer base includes automotive giants such as Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The project represents a capital investment of more than $10 million in the commonwealth and will result in an estimated 61 new full-time jobs within two years of operation.

"After a two-year process of determining the perfect location for our new American facility, we are very happy to have chosen the Kentucky Transpark," said Howa Textile Industry Co., LTD President Akiyori Shibuya. "This location is ideal for our plant, and we look forward to much success with the investment we’ve made here in South Central Kentucky."

Howa Textile Industry Co., LTD, the sole parent company of American Howa Kentucky, Inc., has been engaged in the manufacturing of interior auto parts such as headliners, door panels, dash insulators, and sunshade trims since its establishment in 1955. The company is a market leader among Japanese suppliers with a customer base including Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

"American Howa Kentucky, Inc. is a wonderful addition to the Kentucky Transpark, to Warren County, and to South Central Kentucky," said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. "By investing in this multi-million dollar facility here at the Transpark, this company has given our region a great opportunity for economic growth. I’m proud to welcome Howa to our region."

"It's another great day to be in Bowling Green, Warren County, as we celebrate the grand opening of Howa's beautiful facility here in the Transpark," said Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker. "We're so appreciative of Howa and their investment in our community. With 61 full-time jobs, this company is making a great contribution to our economy."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved American Howa Kentucky, Inc. for tax benefits up to $1 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing operations in the state.

American Howa Kentucky, Inc. has also been approved for benefits up to $136,590 under the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. The program allows approved companies making an investment of $500,000 or more in Kentucky to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on the cost of construction materials, building fixtures and equipment used for research and development.

A community profile for Fayette County can be found at the following link: http://www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=067.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2007 totaled nearly $2 billion with the creation of over 13,400 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.