Lt. Gov. Abramson breaks ground on $10 million manufacturing operation
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 23, 2013) – Independent Stave Company plans to locate a new stave mill in Morehead. The $10 million manufacturing operation will initially create 45 new, full-time jobs, growing to 70 within the first few years.
Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson was on hand to break ground on the new facility, celebrating the news alongside company and community officials.
“Kentucky’s rich and storied history in the distillery industry makes for a perfect fit for Independent Stave Company and its products, which are in demand all across the world,” Beshear said. “The location of the company’s new stave mill will not only bring 70 new jobs and a $10 million investment to the community, but will complement our network of Bourbon and wine distillers across the commonwealth.”
“This is truly an exciting day for Morehead, Rowan County and all of Kentucky, and I am thrilled with the construction of Independent Stave Company’s newest operation,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson.
Established in 1912, Independent Stave Company manufactures white oak staves and is currently the largest barrel manufacturer in the world, marketing products in more than 19 countries. Independent Stave Company also provides staves to cooperages around the world. The new Morehead stave mill will allow the company to meet growing global demand for American white oak.
“It is our priority to support our customers’ growth by maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality American white oak, even as demand continues to increase,” said Brad Boswell, president and fourth-generation cooper. “Adding a new stave mill to our portfolio builds for the future and further ensures we have wood available for the industry.”
Every day, millions of people all over the world enjoy beverages aged in the company’s wine and whiskey barrels, he said.
Independent Stave Company carefully researched a location for the new stave mill before selecting Morehead as its final choice.
“Morehead is well situated near forests known for cooperage-quality white oak and also offers an excellent workforce – an ideal match,” said Boswell. “We look forward to becoming a contributing member of this community as we add this location to our corporate family.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $950,000 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.
KEDFA also approved Independent Stave Company for tax benefits up to $54,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.
“Rowan County has been working hard to attract new business and jobs to the region and Independent Stave is evidence of those successful efforts,” said Rep. Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook. “Being chosen as a location to expand Independent Stave underscores the message that eastern Kentucky is competitive because of our abundance of natural resources and great people. I expect that this $10 million investment will attract other companies looking to build, relocate or expand in Rowan County and throughout the region.”
For more information on Independent Stave Company, visit IndependentStaveCompany.com.
Rowan County has also been certified by the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board as a Work Ready in Progress Community. The certification is an assurance to business and industry that the community is committed to providing the highly skilled workforce required in today’s competitive global economy.
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