Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted further economic growth in Western Kentucky as Allstate Tower Inc., an entity of the Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group (PTTG), announced plans to expand manufacturing capabilities at its headquarters in Henderson with an $850,000 investment creating 10 full-time Kentucky jobs.
“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry is stronger than ever, thanks to our world-class workforce and great companies investing in communities all across the state,” said Gov. Beshear. “Allstate Tower and Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group are an important part of the Henderson community, and I am excited to see them grow and find continued success here in the commonwealth.”
The expansion project will feature the installation of a CLOOS robotic welder, which is anticipated to run at approximately 55% of its capacity based on a single shift operation. This investment will allow the company to increase output and the sales team to pursue additional business opportunities. The machine will weld segments of both tank and tower components that are used in all three of PTTG’s business units. The CLOOS Robotic Welding system integrates new welding technology with turntable positioners and laser-sensing technology to produce fast, high-quality welds. The addition of the machine will create 10 full-time jobs, pushing the company’s full-time Kentucky employment to 119.
“Allstate Tower and Pittsburg Tank & Tower are excited to continue to invest in the Henderson community and our employee owners and know that this investment in new technology and equipment will help facilitate our continued growth,” said Ben Johnston, chairman and chief technical officer of PTTG. “We greatly appreciate the support from our local leaders as well as the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.”
PTTG is a 104-year-old family business based in Henderson since the early 1980s. The group consists of four companies that provide engineered products in the manufacturing and construction segments throughout the country’s infrastructure. Pittsburg Tank & Tower delivers fresh drinking water to communities and helps store products such as food, chemicals, gas and oil and fertilizer. The group’s maintenance company, Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co., services all the above-mentioned products through annual inspections, recoating, repairing and modifying as well as decommissioning structures when they are no longer needed. Allstate Tower manufacturers and installs communications towers that provide paths for all forms of communication across the U.S. and abroad, including cell phone paths and point-to-point broadband data transfer for television. Allstate Tower also manufactures a complete line of products to support transfer and storage of grain, ranging from small farming operations to larger, industrial corporations.
Henderson Mayor Brad Staton looks forward to seeing the company expand and grow in the community and provide additional opportunities for the local workforce: “Our existing businesses mean so much to us. I love when we get a chance to support the continued growth and success of the companies that play such an important role in our community and local economy.”
Whitney Risley, director of existing industry and workforce development with Henderson Economic Development, is thrilled for the continued investment in Henderson by Allstate Tower and PTTG: “This implementation of new technology will allow PTTG to expand product opportunities and workforce skillsets. We are excited to see what new heights and additional opportunities this expansion will bring.”