Image via Wikipedia
Governor Steve Beshear today joined community leaders and officials from Montebello Packaging to announce the company’s more than $24.2 million expansion. The growth will entail new construction, equipment and product lines and will create 26 new jobs. The Lebanon plant currently employs 108.
“This is truly an exciting day for Montebello, the citizens of Lebanon and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “Montebello’s $24.2 million expansion will not only create 26 new jobs but will also result in new product lines that will further secure the long-term success of Montebello’s Lebanon operation. Kentucky is proud to work with company and community officials to make this project possible.”
Montebello is a manufacturer of collapsible aluminum and laminate tubes, ink markers and aluminum aerosols cans. The tubes are used in a variety of products and industries, including pharmaceutical, personal care, cosmetics, household, industrial and food products. The Canadian-company plans to construct a 110,000-square-foot addition to its Lebanon facility to accommodate new production lines. The expansion is expected to be complete by August 2012.
“Montebello is excited to be expanding its manufacturing capabilities and capacity in Lebanon, Kentucky,” said David Leonard, director of rigid aluminum containers for Montebello Packaging. “This significant additional investment in Lebanon will provide our accomplished existing and future employee base state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to continue growing our business. We thank Gov. Beshear, Marion County officials and their respective teams for helping us make this project possible.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority or KEDFA preliminarily approved Montebello Packaging for tax incentives up to $2,068,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program to encourage the expansion. The performance-based incentive allows the company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
KEDFA also approved Montebello Packaging for tax benefits up to $100,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. The program allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.
“Having a company choose your community to lay down roots is a very good thing but it’s sometimes even more special when an employer is so happy with the people and the place where they choose to expand and build their business,” said Sen. Jimmy Higdon, of Lebanon. “I am happy that Montebello is affirming the great work ethic of our people and the terrific quality of life found here.”
“This project is one of the biggest our community has seen in quite some time, so I am very happy to see Montebello take this step,” said Rep. Terry Mills, of Lebanon. “It says a lot about Kentucky and even more about the ability of our local workforce. This expansion could not come at a better time.”
“After operating in our community for 13 years, we are very proud that the leaders of Montebello Packaging have the confidence in our community to grow and expand here in Lebanon,” said Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw.
“Montebello Packaging has been a great company in our Lebanon, Kentucky community for many years,” said Marion County Judge-Executive John G. Mattingly. “It is the citizens of Marion County's good fortune that Montebello has chosen to expand their production locally. Marion County is very thankful to Gov. Beshear and his economic development staff for the incentives offered that have led to the additional employment opportunities available for all Marion County/central Kentucky residents.”
For more information on Montebello Packaging, visit www.montebellopkg.com.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ThinkKentucky or follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ThinkKentucky.
A detailed community profile for Lebanon (Marion County) can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=042.
