Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing sector as leaders at EPC-Columbia Inc., an industry-leading plastic injection molding company, will be expanding the company’s manufacturing operation in Lebanon with a $3.6 million investment creating 21 full-time, Kentucky jobs.
“The manufacturing sector is a staple of Kentucky’s booming economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “Having companies already established here in the commonwealth choosing to expand and grow their operations is a critical component of the state’s continued economic success. EPC-Columbia is providing quality job opportunities for Marion County and the surrounding community, and I congratulate the company on this exciting next step.”
The expansion project will see the company add 40,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility in Marion County, bringing its total operating space to nearly 300,000 square feet. The additional room will allow for increased manufacturing operations, office space and equipment to meet growing customer demand. The investment will add 21 full-time jobs, bringing the company’s total Kentucky employment to 430.
“We are extremely excited to be expanding our operations and continue working within the Marion County community,” said Reza Kargarzadeh, president of EPC-Columbia. “I want to thank everyone who made this project possible, including the hard-working, dedicated employees of EPC-Columbia, local officials and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. We are thrilled to enter this next chapter as a company and look forward to continuing to provide quality products and services to our customers around the world.”
Founded in 1994, EPC is an industry leader in plastic injection molded products, with services that include injection molding, two-shot injection molding, vacuum forming, cast skin, urethane foaming and painting. EPC serves major industries that include automotive, commercial and consumer appliance, aerospace, off-road heavy equipment, agriculture and forestry, scientific and medical sectors. Today, the company has 560 injection molding machines ranging from 30 to 3,300 tons and 16 manufacturing facilities. EPC operates in Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Canada and Mexico.
Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty looks forward to celebrating this exciting opportunity for EPC and the community: “We are thrilled about the additional employment opportunities this expansion project will bring to Marion County. We appreciate EPC’s vision for continued growth in our community and look forward to celebrating this milestone with the company.”
Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw highlighted the economic impact the expansion will bring to the area: “EPC’s expansion is another addition to the economic engine that continues to thrive in Marion County. The additional investment in capital and jobs add to the vibrant progressive vision we project as a community.”
Brooklyn Leep, Marion County economic development director, noted the continued support and commitment by EPC within the community: “We welcome this exciting news for our community as EPC expands its operations, bringing new opportunities and economic growth to our community. We appreciate their continued investment and commitment to Marion County.”