Date: 04-05-2018
WHY NOT LAWRENCE COUNTY?
Since it is election time in Kentucky I think it proper to ask prospective candidates for County and District offices for a public statement on how they would be better at attracting a small industry to our well-placed county.
Judge/Executive candidates of all parties as well as magistrates on both sides of the ticket are asked to submit an answer and send a billfold sized photo to go with it. No charge. IF You can’t do it with an email, Get a friend or relative to help.
Send to: markgrayson@me.Com.
Here are some examples of new jobs coming to Ky. counties. Why not Lawrence County?
Plus to add more misery part of the Ky. Power money paid to replace the damage of leaving the coal business and the plant which used millions of tons of mostly locally mined coal, has not been spent in Lawrence County although it suffered the biggest negative economic hit.
Perhaps the current fiscal court has a plan to attract a plant supplying products to the new Braidy Industries project which is supposed to bring 1,100 new well paying jobs to the area in an aluminum factory in Boyd Co. Or, they may have another one coming, but economic development director Catrina Vargo has not made such an announcement.
But candidates: please tell us what you have in mind.
Here’s just three stories that reminded me that we have the location with rail, river Interstate and it is time for the state to notice Lawrence County. How would you do it?
STORIES FROM THE KPA NEWSLINE IN THE PAST WEEK OR SO:
Century Aluminum to invest $116.5 million
By Keith Lawrence
The Messenger-Inquirer
In the fall of 2015, Century Aluminum closed three potlines and laid off about 320 workers at its Hawesville smelter in a dispute over electricity prices.
But many of those jobs are now coming back.
Gov. Matt Bevin announced Wednesday that Century will invest approximately $116.5 million for improvements to the Hawesville smelter and bring back more than 250 full-time jobs.
“That’s great news,” Mike Baker, director of the Hancock County Industrial Foundation, said after the announcement. “Those are good-paying jobs — around $60,000 a year — with excellent benefits. It will be a good boost to the area’s economy.”
Century will upgrade its smelting technology and train new and existing employees to use the new equipment, the announcement said.
The Hawesville smelter produces high-purity metal required for the defense, aerospace and electrical industries.
Century is planning job fairs at the Owensboro Career Center on April 21, May 12 and June 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to hire hourly production positions, mechanics, electricians, supervisor roles, technicians and engineers.
Production applicants should bring their WorkKeys scores along with their high school diploma or GED.
“We are pleased to announce this investment to bring the Hawesville smelter back to full production and upgrade its technology to best in class,” Jesse Gary, executive vice president of Century, said in a news release.
Century had said earlier that it planned the action after the federal tax reform act passed in December.
Last month, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority gave preliminary approval to the company for tax incentives up to $5.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program.
Century can also receive assistance from the Kentucky Skills Network.
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FITZGERALD INDUSTRIES TO BUY FORMER BELDEN PLANT
IN MONTICELLO, CREATE 250 JOBS
Aluminum dump truck bed manufacturer will invest $6 million in Wayne County operation
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 29, 2018) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced Fitzgerald Industries II LLC, which manufactures aluminum dump truck beds, will locate in the former Belden Inc. plant in Monticello with a $6 million investment that will create 250 full-time jobs.
“Fitzgerald Industries is providing an incredible opportunity for the workforce in Monticello and Wayne County,” Gov. Bevin said. “The closure of the Belden operation was a major blow to the local community, and this chance to put 250 people back to work comes at the perfect time. This investment by Fitzgerald Industries also strengthens Kentucky’s rapidly growing aluminum sector. This is truly a win for all involved, and we look forward to the company’s success in southeastern Kentucky.”
The company’s $6 million investment will reconfigure the plant and add machinery to cut, form and weld aluminum sheet for production of commercial-grade dump beds for Class 8 trucks. The facility also will form steel parts for use in fabrication of steel dump truck bodies.
Tommy A. Fitzgerald, president of Fitzgerald Industries, described his family’s enthusiasm about reopening the once bustling cable wiring plant, which closed last year as the company consolidated North American operations.
“The Fitzgerald family has made it their mission to invest in, partner with and create well-paying manufacturing jobs in the communities, particularly the rural communities, that others have left,” Fitzgerald said. “The Monticello project aligns perfectly with our mission. We are very excited about the opportunity to put Kentuckians back to work, and we appreciate the support of the state, local and federal officials who are helping us to keep manufacturing in the United States.”
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Startup Hydroponic Farms USA Plans 121-Job Facility in Breathitt County
$44.5 million-plus investment will support production of greens, tomatoes, peppers and more
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 29, 2018) – Startup indoor farming company Hydroponic Farms USA will invest more than $44.5 million in Eastern Kentucky’s Breathitt County and create 121 jobs with the construction of a new facility on a reclaimed mine in Jackson, Gov. Matt Bevin announced today.
“The announcement of 121 full-time jobs in Breathitt County is wonderful news for Eastern Kentucky and its skilled workforce,” Gov. Bevin said. “It has been our administration’s mission to provide better job opportunities in every part of our state, and this investment is evidence that we are achieving that goal. We are truly grateful for this vote of confidence in the commonwealth. Hydroponic Farms USA will be a great fit for the Jackson community, and continues the economic momentum that is building in Eastern Kentucky.”
Hydroponic Farms USA will build a nearly 42-acre facility with 35.5 acres of production space. The facility will use hydroponic and aeroponic technology to grow leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and other produce. The 121 jobs will include leadership, production and post-production roles. Company leaders plan to break ground following their land purchase and approval of permits.