Lynx Labeling Inc., which develops and sells custom labeling machinery and software primarily to the meat and poultry industries, will build a $500,000 facility and create 10 jobs in Glasgow, Gov. Matt Bevin announced.
“Lynx Labeling’s decision to build a new facility and hire more people in Glasgow is further testament to the state’s favorable business environment,” Gov. Bevin said. “We are grateful that another high-tech company has taken advantage of Kentucky’s many logistical and workforce advantages. We appreciate Lynx’s investment in our state and look forward to what the future holds for this company and the community of Glasgow.”
The company also plans to invest $65,000 in equipment and $25,000 in startup-related activities at its new 12,000-square-foot Barren County facility, which will be located in the Highland Glen Industrial Park. The additional space and 10 new full-time employees will allow the company to keep pace with growing customer orders. Lynx plans to break ground in March and finish construction by summer 2018.
“Lynx Labeling has done a great job meeting an increase in demand over the last couple years,” said Billy Jones, president of Lynx Labeling. “We’re excited this expanded facility will allow us to continue to deliver the innovative and industry leading solutions our customers have come to depend on.”
Founded in 2016, Lynx primarily produces inventory management systems that weigh, package and label products. The company custom-builds the lines and implements tailor-made software and hardware for each client. In addition to simplify weighing, checking, sorting, counting and data collection processes, Lynx also develops user-specific software applications. The business also includes printer repair and parts reselling.
Sen. David Givens, of Glasgow, said the expansion was a sign of the company’s commitment to the area and its employees.
“Lynx Labeling has been a valuable part of the Glasgow business community for a while, and this newest investment of over half a million dollars and the creation of new jobs shows the company’s dedication to our region and workforce,” Sen. Givens said. “I look forward to the project’s completion and congratulate Lynx Labeling on its expansion here in Barren County.”
Rep. Steve Riley of Glasgow said the investment was another sign of an improved economic climate.
“The expansion of Lynx Labeling is just another example of Kentucky’s robust economic expansion since Republicans took control of the House,” said Rep. Riley, who serves on the House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee. “I am confident that this growth will persist as long as we continue implementing policies that support a free market and reduced government regulations.”
Glasgow Mayor Dick Doty said the development was good news for Lynx, as well as proof that a collaborative approach can help businesses.
“We have been pleased to see the success and growth Lynx Labeling has experienced recently,” Mayor Doty said. “They have quietly grown into a strong and reputable partner in the food packaging industry and we commend them for their achievements. With this success they have developed the need to expand their workforce and their facilities and we are excited and honored that they decided to remain in our community for that expansion.
“We congratulate them in this significant step in their progression and are excited that an additional 10 people from our area will be able to work with this talented and innovative group. Their future is truly unlimited. The expansion of our existing industries is vital to the growth of our economy, so we are pleased to have played a role in helping another Glasgow/Barren County business expand. We would like to thank Gov. Bevin and his staff from the Cabinet of Economic Development for their hard work and support in making this announcement a reality.”
Barren County Judge-Executive Michael Hale said the Work-Ready community was primed to welcome more investment and jobs.
“Barren County is excited to announce the expansion of one of our existing industrial partners - Lynx Labeling,” Judge Hale said. “With a major-dollar capital investment, including a 12,000-square-foot building in Highland Glen Industrial Park and the creation of new jobs, we welcome this great opportunity for our Work-Ready community.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in December preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $125,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, Lynx 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 year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on Lynx, visit www.lynxlabeling.com.
A detailed community profile for Glasgow and Barren County can be viewed at http://bit.ly/GlasgowBarrenCounty.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.