Home » Hendrickson USA breaks ground in Elizabethtown

Hendrickson USA breaks ground in Elizabethtown

Global auto manufacturer will create 75 new jobs in central Kentucky

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (March 26, 2014) – Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson today joined company officials and local leaders in Elizabethtown to celebrate the groundbreaking of Hendrickson USA in Hardin County.

Hendrickson, which manufactures suspension systems and components for heavy-duty vehicles, will create 75 jobs as a result of a $20 million investment.

MATS-2011-(1)“This is a great day for both Hendrickson and Kentucky,” Abramson said. “The fact that Hendrickson decided to locate here is a further testament to our highly-skilled workforce, which is a cornerstone of our thriving auto industry. I’m excited for this opportunity to put more Kentuckians back to work.”

The Elizabethtown site will manufacture products to supply the company’s existing operations in nearby states. As the facility will be highly-automated, Hendrickson chose Hardin County for its available workforce, training programs and centralized location. The operation will be located in the T.J. Patterson Industrial Park. Construction of the 100,000-s.f. facility is expected to be completed later this year.

“I am pleased to announce that, once again, Hendrickson is expanding operations in Kentucky,” said Gary Gerstenslager, president and CEO of Hendrickson. “Our team members in Kentucky have proven their dedication, loyalty and work ethic. Their efforts continue to help expand the Hendrickson business while maintaining our reputation in the commercial transportation industry as a global manufacturer and supplier of durable, dependable and quality suspension systems. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with local and state officials to help Hendrickson, as well as the community, continue to grow and prosper.”

Hendrickson is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium and heavy-duty suspension systems, axle systems, springs, and bumper and trim components. The company has two existing operations in Somerset and Lebanon, employing 450 Kentuckians.

To encourage the investment and job growth in Hardin County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1.55 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.

“The groundbreaking for the new Hendrickson USA manufacturing facility is very exciting,” said Elizabethtown Mayor Edna Berger. “We are so happy to welcome them to our city and look forward to the quality jobs that they will be bringing to our community. I understand that the company has already received many applications from well-qualified and eager persons wanting to be part of the Hendrickson team. I am so excited that they chose Elizabethtown to be their next location.”

For more information on Hendrickson USA LLC, visit hendrickson-intl.com/.