$7.5 million investment to bring new tech, machinery to Woodford County plant
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 1, 2017) – Glass manufacturer Pilkington North America Inc. plans to invest $7.5 million in technology and manufacturing upgrades at its Versailles facility, Gov. Matt Bevin announced today.
“For the past 30 years, Pilkington North America has proven itself a reliable job provider in Woodford County and an important member of Kentucky’s thriving automotive engineering and manufacturing industry,” said Gov. Bevin. “Their latest investment reaffirms the company’s commitment to the community and its mission to provide high-tech products for its customers. The commonwealth is pleased to support this project and help ensure many more years of continued growth.”
Pilkington will buy new equipment to meet current and future customer demands. Using the most modern Advanced Press Bend process for laminated windshields, the company’s newly developed proprietary technology will support production of its formed glass pieces, as well as the polyvinyl butyral inner layer used to assemble windshields with Head-Up Display (HUD).
Pilkington North America is part of NSG Group, a leading manufacturer of glass and glazing products for the architectural, automotive and technical glass sectors. The Pilkington name is used as the product brand throughout the world. The company established its Versailles operation in 1987, where it employs about 300 people.
“This investment will help strengthen NSG Group’s market leadership in the value-added product segment,” said Rick Frampton, regional director automotive, North America.
Sen. Julian Carroll, of Frankfort, said the investment will positively impact the region.
“Congratulations to Pilkington on updating the technology at its Versailles facility to better meet its manufacturing needs,” he said. “Versailles, Woodford County and the surrounding region welcome the growth that will be generated and stand ready with a skilled workforce to meet any future needs.”
Rep. James Kay, of Versailles, said the project highlights the pro-business partnership between the company and Woodford County.
“It is a great day for Woodford County to see Pilkington expand their Versailles glass operation, which already employs nearly 300 people, many of whom are Woodford Countians,” he said. “It’s further proof that we have everything a business needs to grow and thrive in today’s economy. It’s clear, Woodford County is open for business.”
Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott expressed his gratitude for the company’s commitment to the community.
“We are grateful that Pilkington North America is investing in their future in Versailles,” he said. “They are an important part of our industrial base and provide many high-paying jobs.”
Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle shared his appreciation for everyone involved.
“We are truly grateful for the confidence Pilkington North America’s investment has shown in our Woodford County workforce,” he said. “This investment in technology will continue the successful partnership between Pilkington and Woodford County. We appreciate the combined efforts of Gov. Matt Bevin, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and our Woodford Economic Development Authority in bringing this project forward.”
To encourage the investment and job retention in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in January preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $700,000 through the Kentucky Reinvestment Act. The performance-based incentive allows the company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits by meeting job retention and investment targets.
In addition, Pilkington can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal 2016, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on Pilkington North America, visit www.pilkington.com/na.
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