Clopay Plastics Products adds 62,000 sq. ft. to its existing 289,000-sq.-ft. facility in Augusta, Kentucky; project to retain 290 jobs, create US$12.3M investment in the state

Graziela Medina Shepnick

AUGUSTA, Kentucky , November 30, 2012 (press release) – $12.3 million expansion project secured 290 jobs, added 62,000 square feet

Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson today joined company and local leaders in Augusta at a grand opening ceremony for Clopay Plastics Products Company Inc. The company has added 62,000 square feet to its existing 289,000-square-foot facility, a project that is responsible for retaining 290 full-time jobs and creating a $12.3 million investment in the state.

Governor Steve Beshear applauded the expansion for the company, which is the largest employer in Bracken County.

“The Commonwealth and Clopay have built a powerful partnership to see an investment of $12.3 million and the retention of 290 full-time jobs,” said Gov. Beshear. “Together we are helping each other grow and build a brighter future here in Kentucky, making our economy stronger and improving lives.”

“This is a tremendous day for Clopay and Kentucky,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson. “Clopay is no stranger to overcoming adversity, with its history beginning during the Great Depression, embracing a new plastics industry in the 1950s, getting in front of the polymer-based industry in the 1990s, and continually improving its products today for the future.”

Clopay produces a variety of products used in the hygienic, healthcare, protective apparel and industrial markets. The company is a global leader in its field, with production facilities in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

“Today’s grand opening celebrates the long standing partnership between Clopay and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Bracken County and the city of Augusta,” said Clopay President Alan Koblin. “Clopay looks forward to continuing those relationships in the years to come and is grateful for the support of all of the leaders who helped make this project possible.”

To help make this project possible, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved a $500,000 Economic Development Bond grant to the city of Augusta for the benefit of Clopay Plastic Products Company. In addition, Bracken County approved a grant in the amount of $200,000, and the city of Augusta approved a grant in the amount of $190,000.

“This is an exciting investment by Clopay,” said Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson. “Our community will reap the benefits of job retention and continued economic growth and development. Clopay’s decision to expand its facility here also speaks well of our workforce. Clopay has always been a good corporate partner and this expansion signifies additional years of the same. I applaud Gov. Beshear for taking the lead to support this industry, their employees and their families.”

“Clopay Plastic Products has been a huge asset for Bracken County, and today’s announcement only builds on the company’s already strong reputation,” said Rep. Mike Denham, of Maysville. “This is great news, both for the region and especially for those families who now have greater job security. I want to thank Clopay for making this investment, and I want to thank the employees of Clopay for their dedication and hard work. I’m happy that our state and local officials could help make this possible.”

“Congratulations to the Clopay Plastics team for the successful completion of the new addition to the Augusta plant,” said Augusta Mayor John Laycock. “It has been a great pleasure for the city to assist with this expansion. I would also like to thank the Commonwealth and county governments for their leadership and financial support, without which this expansion would have not been possible.”

“Clopay is an outstanding organization and Bracken County is proud to have them as a cooperative citizen,” said Bracken County Judge-Executive Earl Bush. “I thank Vance Green, and all Clopay management, Mayor Laycock, Rep. Denham, Gov. Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development for all their efforts in making this expansion possible in Augusta.”

For more information on Clopay, visit www.clopayplastics.com.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ThinkKentucky or follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ThinkKentucky.

A detailed community profile for Augusta (Braken County) can be viewed at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=101.

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 2010 totaled more than $2 billion with the creation of nearly 11,900 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.

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