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Press Releases
October 03, 2002
Outokumpu Copper
named Industry of the Year
When it comes to industrial development, the
Franklin-Simpson community has a lot to celebrate.
Industry of the Year Outokumpu
Copper Franklin joined six other new and expanding industries to be
honored Wednesday during the annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon
organized by the F-S Industrial Authority.
The luncheon, now in its fifth year, attracted a record crowd of 210
people. After all, over the past four years, 23 industries have
built or expanded facilities in Simpson County, creating a projected
employment of 1,400 new jobs. And despite the uncertain economic
times, eight new plants have gone up in this community during that
span.
Earlier this year, Outokumpu considered several attractive offers to
relocate but chose to stay and to expand in Franklin. The major
supplier of copper tubing to the air conditioning and refrigeration
industries worldwide is adding 44,000-square-feet for shipping and
warehousing and 21,000-square-feet for research and development of
new manufacturing lines with a total investment of $6 million.
The size of the operation has more than tripled since opening here
in 1969 as American Brass. Outokumpu acquired the Franklin plant in
1990, and the workforce has gradually climbed to 320.
"Since that time, Outokumpu Copper Franklin has enjoyed an excellent
reputation for high standards of quality, unexcelled service and an
exceptional record for on time delivery," said Simpson County Judge/Excecutive
Jim Henderson, who presented the award.
Henderson also noted that Outokumpu and its employees have also been
involved in scholarship programs, youth league sports and charities
such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association,
Project Graduation, Simpson County Vietnam Veterans Association and
the Angel Tree program.
Former winners of the Industry of the Year Award are Quebecor, Tyco
Adhesives, Franklin Precision and Tyco Electronics. To qualify, an
industry must have been in Simpson County for at least 10 years,
have at least 50 employees and made significant contributions to the
community.
Three new industries were recognized at the luncheon:
Vermont Thread Gauge built a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing plant
in the north industrial park. The company began production in May
and employs 20. It produces threaded gauges and offers full
calibration services.
Quality Reworking and Sorting located in the former Benchmark
Cutting building on Ky. 1008. It launched operations in April 2002
and currently employs 25. The company sorts parts that are shipped
to area industries as well as reworks and packages manufactured
parts.
NoviTec Tube Cutting began precision cutting
of stainless steel tubing for the automotive industry in August.
Located in the former Franklin Hardwoods building off Ky. 1008, it
has 10 employees.
"In order for any community to grow and prosper, they must not only
attract a new industry but have their existing industry remain
strong and expand as well," said Mayor Jim Arnold, who presented
plaques to the new and expanding industries. "Often it is the new
business coming to our community that receives the most attention,
but existing businesses are the quiet cornerstone of Simpson
County's economy, and more and more communities have come to realize
that."
In addition to Outokumpu, industries which have undergone expansions
over the past year are:
Philmo, Inc., which is headquartered in the former Drackett
building, acquired a 24,000-square-foot warehouse on Ky. 1008.
Philmo basically takes flawed tape and returns it to marketable
quality. The company also provides packaging, assembling and
warehouse space to industries.
Smurfit Stone Container Corp. on Quail Ridge Road has completed a
50,000-square-foot addition. The $3.5 million expansion will create
15 new jobs. Smurfit provides companies with their packaging needs
from cores to corrugated cartoons.
Cagle's-Keystone Foods has launched a $4.3 million 8,500-square-foot
expansion to its feed mill operation on U.S. 31-W south. The feed
mill and hatchery operation in Simpson County supports the chicken
processing facility in Clinton County.
Kent Kelley, representing Red Rock Partners, Ltd., was recognized
for making a major investment in industrial recruitment. Kelley is
constructing a 250,000-square-foot spec building for potential
industry on a 34-acre tract in the east industrial park. The $6
million shell building can be used as a manufacturing facility
and/or distribution center.
Simpson County's two legislators D-Rep. Rob Wilkey and D-Sen. Richie
Sanders will have the new industrial parks named after them for
their assistance in economic development. The 400-acre Wilkey
Industrial Park in north Simpson includes Outokumpu, Danafilms,
Vermont Thread Gauge and the site of the future U.S. Tobacco plant.
The 300-acre Sanders Industrial Park in east Simpson includes Toyo
Automotive Parts, New Mather Metals, the spec building and a site
acquired for the proposed Franklin Technical College.
Two 10-foot granite signs will be erected at the industrial parks in
November.
The Barren River Area Development District was honored again for
assisting Simpson County with infrastructure needs to provide new
industry. BRADD was instrumental in securing a $600,000 grant for a
water tower and a $1.1 million grant for new sewer lines to serve
the east industrial park.
Two outgoing members of the F-S Industrial Authority received
plaques. Mayor Arnold will leave the board at the end of the year
and be replaced by the winner of the Franklin mayoral race in the
general election. Chamber of Commerce President Kelly Harding's term
will also end in December.
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