Automotive supplier creating 150 jobs, investing $13 million
PADUCAH, Ky. (June 26, 2013) – Whitehall Industries broke ground Tuesday on its new facility on Commerce Drive in Paducah, where it will manufacture aluminum components for the automotive industry.
The company is investing $13 million in the project and creating 150 new jobs.
“Kentucky is gaining a well-deserved reputation as a powerful engine for the automotive industry, and companies such as Whitehall Industries are a crucial part of that success,” said Gov. Beshear, who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. “We’re excited to see 150 new jobs and a nearly $13 million investment in the commonwealth, and we welcome Whitehall to Paducah.”
Kentucky’s automotive industry employs nearly 80,000 people at more than 450 motor vehicle-related facilities. The commonwealth produced more than a million vehicles in 2012, putting Kentucky fourth in the nation in light vehicle production.
First established in 1974, Whitehall Industries began as a manufacturer of precision components for the copier industry. The company expanded into aluminum operations, growing into an industry leader in the manufacturing of automotive sunroof tracks. In 2010, Michigan-based SRS Industries LLC acquired Whitehall Industries.
The new facility will produce high-quality and cost-effective precision aluminum extrusions and machine fabricated components for the automotive industry. Because of fuel efficiency standards, the company plans to meet the demand of automakers to design more automobiles with aluminum.
“American manufacturing is the cornerstone of our economy, which creates real wealth for our nation and jobs for our people,” said Yogen Rahangdale, Whitehall Industries president and CEO. “I would like personally to thank the leadership of the commonwealth of Kentucky, McCracken County, the city of Paducah and the Economic Development Corporation for making this project possible. This new location will allow Whitehall to grow profitably, providing jobs and other benefits to the local community.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
For more information on Whitehall Industries, visit www.whitehallindustries.com.
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