Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined leaders at Ancra Cargo, a leading designer and manufacturer of cargo securement systems for transportation, to cut the ribbon on the company’s newly renovated headquarters in Hebron. The $8 million project has created over 50 new full-time jobs, a nearly 50% increase in the company’s staff, with potential for further growth.
“The momentum in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector is continuing to grow with Ancra Cargo’s new headquarters,” said Gov. Beshear. “Ancra Cargo is doing great work in the industry and is providing quality jobs for Kentuckians. I want to congratulate the company’s leadership on their new headquarters and thank them for continuing to grow Ancra Cargo’s presence in the commonwealth and the Hebron community.”
The $8 million renovation of the 150,000-square-foot facility introduces manufacturing capabilities in addition to existing distribution operations. The renovated facility also includes assembly lines and additional office space. The space consolidates multiple manufacturing and warehousing locations under one roof and expands the company’s product development, quality control testing and marketing capabilities. The new facility contains a dedicated, multimedia resource center complete with 16 feet of planogram space, a photo lab and soundproof studio for shooting videos and broadcasting content.
“As the industry leading cargo securement company, Ancra Cargo is excited to continue our partnership with the State of Kentucky and the Northern Kentucky Tri-ED,” said Ancra Cargo President Larry Bethel. “I am especially proud of the Ancra Cargo team that created our growth through innovation, quality products and excellent customer service. Our new facility in Hebron with its expanded R&D lab, new marketing capabilities and expanded quality control department accelerates our ability to deliver technology for the safer and more efficient transportation of goods.”
Ancra Cargo was founded in 1969 with security in mind. The company began with the mission to improve safety and security in the material handling industry and originally focused on the airline industry. Company leaders quickly realized engineered products were needed in every market segment that moved quantities of cargo, and from that, created its comprehensive product lines.
The new location adds to Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector, which includes more than 5,000 facilities and employs over 250,000 people statewide. Administration-to-date, more than 550 new-location and expansion projects within the industry are expected to create nearly 26,000 full-time jobs with over $18.6 billion in new investments.
Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore is elated Boone County will continue to be the headquarters location for Ancra Cargo’s North American operations.
“I am proud Boone County continues to draw major international businesses, especially woman-owned companies like Ancra,” said Judge Moore. “We are grateful Ancra’s leaders decided to continue growing in the Northern Kentucky region.”
Northern Kentucky Tri-ED CEO Lee Crume appreciates that Ancra Cargo is bringing 50 employees to its new Hebron location, with the expectation of growth.
“We are thrilled the company will retain current local jobs and create new high-quality jobs to serve Northern Kentucky families,” said Crume. “Ancra plays a critical role in the supply chain and transportation industries in Northern Kentucky and North America.”
Ancra Cargo’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.