Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin announced Manchester Tank and Equipment Co., a division of McWane Inc., plans to locate a $10-million-plus propane tank manufacturing facility in Campbellsville, a project expected to create 175 full-time jobs in the coming years.
“Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. will be a significant addition to the Taylor County community, and we welcome them to the commonwealth,” Gov. Bevin said. “The 175 jobs associated with this project will provide exciting opportunities for central Kentucky’s workforce and overall economy. Manchester’s steady growth from a small operation to an industry leader has been remarkable, and we look forward to seeing them reach even greater heights here in Kentucky, America’s hub for engineering and manufacturing excellence.”
Manchester Tank will acquire and retrofit an existing 238,000-square-foot building on 120 acres in Campbellsville to expand operations and for production and supply of components to the company’s existing facilities. The company’s components division includes steel coil processing, steel blanking, deep drawing presses, plasma cutting and bar-feeding machining centers.
“This new facility in Campbellsville will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of Manchester Tank,” said Ruffner Page, CEO and president of McWane, Inc. “We want to thank Gov. Bevin, officials with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and local officials in Campbellsville and Taylor County for their help and support with this project.”
Manchester Tank was founded in 1945 as Manchester Welding and Fabricating Co. in Los Angeles. The company got its start with production of five-gallon vertical tanks for butane and propane storage, primarily used by mobile homes. The company started with seven employees and manufactured approximately 200 tanks per week. Manchester is now a division of Birmingham, Ala.-based McWane. Manchester Tank operates four manufacturing facilities in the US and three off-shore operations that serve local markets. In total, the company employs nearly 1,000 people globally, and produces thousands of tanks daily.
Founded in 1921, McWane is a family owned business based in Birmingham, Ala., with companies across the US and the world. McWane casts ductile iron products – including pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings and plumbing products – manufactures fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, steel pressure vessels and builds network switches and monitoring equipment. With more than 6,800 team members, McWane has a longstanding commitment of support to the communities where it operates.
Sen. Max Wise, of Campbellsville, welcomed the company.
“McWane’s leadership made a great decision in selecting Campbellsville and I thank them for it. I know the company will be embraced and supported for the long term as it creates new, real and tangible impact in Taylor County and beyond,” Sen. Wise said. “Our region in the heart of Kentucky offers companies many benefits, including low costs for conducting business, an outstanding quality of life and a ready and skilled workforce. I look forward to working alongside the McWane and Manchester Tank team to help ensure their success.”
House Majority Floor Leader Bam Carney, of Campbellsville, said efforts at the state level have created economic opportunities such as Manchester Tank’s decision to locate in Taylor County.
“I am thrilled to see that Manchester Tank & Equipment is investing in this community,” Rep. Carney said. “The 175 jobs created by this facility reflects the potential that a versatile, clean fuel like propane has in domestic and commercial markets. But more importantly, it is proof that the work we’re doing in Frankfort is bringing good-paying, long-term jobs for Kentuckians.”
County Judge-Executive Barry Smith applauded the company’s for selecting Taylor County.
“We are so pleased to have Manchester Tank locate their new operations here,” Judge-Executive Smith said. “The 175 new jobs will offer great employment opportunities for our citizens and improve our quality of life. This is a great day for Taylor County.”
Campbellsville Mayor Brenda Allen said the company will find the city and its residents to be willing partners for the long term.
“I want to thank Manchester Tank for locating their new production facility in Campbellsville. It is a welcomed addition that will move our economy forward,” Mayor Allen said. “We are excited for the new jobs and their future success.”
Ron McMahan, executive director and CEO of Team Taylor County Economic Development Authority, welcomed the company and the positive impacts it will bring.
“We are honored that Manchester Tank has chosen to locate their new manufacturing facility in our community,” McMahan said. “Their capital investment and job creation will have a tremendous economic impact on our local economy.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in April preliminarily approved McWane for tax incentives up to $2 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, McWane 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.