FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2017) — Gov. Matt Bevin today announced Murakami Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc., which makes automotive vision systems, will build a more than $2.7 million, 20 employee warehouse on its Taylor County campus.
“This investment by Murakami highlights the increasing strength of Kentucky’s automotive sector, which employs more than 100,000 people statewide,” Gov. Matt Bevin said. “It shows ongoing confidence in Kentucky as a top location for manufacturing and supplying automotive products to customers. I am confident that Murakami’s new investment in Taylor County and its increased presence in Kentucky will position the company for success for many years to come.”
Murakami will expand its current facility at 575 Water Tower Bypass in Campbellsville by 50,000 s.f. to consolidate storage, increase manufacturing capacity and streamline product flow. In addition, the expected 20 hires will fulfill a total 50 new full-time jobs the company announced in a separate expansion project in 2014. The new construction will start in September with projected completion by March 2018.
“We are very excited about expanding the Campbellsville plant,” said Murakami North America President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Rodenberg. “The additional space will allow for future growth as well as an opportunity to realize improved efficiencies because we will have everything under one roof.”
The company, a subsidiary of Murakami Corp. Japan, established in Campbellsville in 2000 and manufactures rear and side-view mirrors and related systems for the auto industry. In Campbellsville, Murakami employs 256 team members in the assembly, injection molding and paint operations. Murakami Corp. is a family oriented company in business for more than 135 years.
Kentucky’s automotive industry includes nearly 520 facilities across the state. This year through July, automotive-related companies committed to more than $3.87 billion in expansion and new-location projects. Those are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs in the coming years.
Sen. Max Wise, of Campbellsville, said the expansion falls in line with other auto-related growth across the state.
“I am pleased to hear of Murakami’s expansion in Campbellsville,” he said. “The automotive industry in Kentucky is rapidly expanding, and Murakami’s impactful contribution to both our city and our state’s economy has not gone unnoticed. I congratulate the company look forward to its continual success.”
Rep. John “Bam” Carney, of Campbellsville, noted that continued economic growth is what the legislature worked toward during this past session.
“Economic development, particularly new jobs creation, has been the number one priority of the House Republican Majority since we took office in January,” Rep. Carney said. “I am elated about the $2.7 million investment that Murakami is adding to its existing operation in Campbellsville. This job-creating expansion is just the most recent example of Kentucky being open for business.”
Campbellsville Mayor Tony Young said the project is evidence of the company’s dedication to the local workforce.
“We are so excited to have Murakami choose to expand and invest in Campbellsville again,” Mayor Young said. “The new warehouse and distribution center expansion and additional jobs proves their commitment to our community. This is a welcomed addition to our local economy.”
Taylor County Judge-Executive Eddie Rogers said Murakami is one of the community’s most trusted employers.
“I welcome Murakami’s expansion project and look forward to its positive impacts for our community,” Judge Rogers said. “We are proud Murakami continues to serve North America from their Taylor County facility. Murakami has always been one of our top corporate citizens.”
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in July approved Murakami for up to $100,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.
In addition, Murakami 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 MMUS’ parent company, Murakami, visit www.murakami-kaimeido.co.jp/english/index.html.
A detailed community profile for Taylor County can be viewed at http://bit.ly/TaylorCoKy.
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