HENDRICKSON USA BREAKS GROUND IN ELIZABETHTOWN

Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson’s Communications Office Lt. Gov. Abramson Participates in Groundbreaking for Hendrickson USA in Elizabethtown

Press Release Date:	Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Contact Information:	Kerri Richardson Terry Sebastian 502-564-2611

Global auto manufacturer will create 75 new jobs in central Kentucky

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson today joined company officials and local leaders in Elizabethtown to celebrate the groundbreaking of Hendrickson USA in Hardin County.
Hendrickson, which manufactures suspension systems and components for heavy-duty vehicles, will create 75 jobs as a result of a $20 million investment.
Gov. Steve Beshear welcomed Hendrickson to Kentucky. “We are very excited to see Hendrickson bring its services to the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is further proof that Kentucky’s centralized location and strong infrastructure provide a strategic advantage for companies to establish operations in the Bluegrass.”
“This is a great day for both Hendrickson and Kentucky,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson. “The fact that Hendrickson decided to locate here is a further testament to our highly-skilled workforce, which is a cornerstone of our thriving auto industry. I’m excited for this opportunity to put more Kentuckians back to work.”
The Elizabethtown site will manufacture products to supply the company’s existing operations in nearby states. As the facility will be highly-automated, Hendrickson chose Hardin County for its available workforce, training programs and centralized location. The operation will be located in the T.J. Patterson Industrial Park. Construction of the 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed later this year.
“I am pleased to announce that, once again, Hendrickson is expanding operations in Kentucky,” said Gary Gerstenslager, president & CEO of Hendrickson. “Our team members in Kentucky have proven their dedication, loyalty and work ethic. Their efforts continue to help expand the Hendrickson business while maintaining our reputation in the commercial transportation industry as a global manufacturer and supplier of durable, dependable and quality suspension systems. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with local and state officials to help Hendrickson, as well as the community, continue to grow and prosper.”
Hendrickson is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium and heavy-duty suspension systems, axle systems, springs, and bumper and trim components. The company has two existing operations in Somerset and Lebanon, employing 450 Kentuckians.
To encourage the investment and job growth in Hardin County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1.55 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a 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.
“I am excited that Hendrickson is breaking ground on its new facility here in Elizabethtown,” said Sen. Dennis Parrett, of Elizabethtown. This is a tremendous opportunity for Hardin County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The new jobs and the investment in our industrial base will benefit our community, the region and the state. I welcome our new corporate friend and look forward to building on this partnership to bring even more jobs to the region.”
“I’m pleased to see Hendrickson move forward quickly with this project and look forward to the day when we have a ribbon-cutting,” said Rep. Jimmie Lee, of Elizabethtown. “I believe this company will have a long future here in Hardin County because of our skilled and dedicated workforce, and I’m glad that our state and local officials have worked closely together with Hendrickson to make all of this possible.”
“The groundbreaking for the new Hendrickson USA manufacturing facility is very exciting,” said Elizabethtown Mayor Edna Berger. “We are so happy to welcome them to our city and look forward to the quality jobs that they will be bringing to our community. I understand that the company has already received many applications from well-qualified and eager persons wanting to be part of the Hendrickson team. I am so excited that they chose Elizabethtown to be their next location.”
“It’s always exciting to have a new company invest in our community,” said Hardin County Judge-Executive Harry L. Berry. “We welcome Hendrickson and the jobs they will bring to Hardin County.”
For more information on Hendrickson USA LLC, visit www.hendrickson-intl.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 or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.
A detailed community profile for Elizabethtown (Hardin County) can be viewed here.