FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear announced Dart Container Corporation plans to expand its operations in Hart County.
Dart Container, a leading manufacturer of single-use foodservice packaging products, will invest $23 million to build an approximately 650,000-square-foot warehouse in Horse Cave. The company expects the project will create up to 30 new jobs.
“We are excited to see Dart Container grow in Kentucky with the creation of 30 jobs and an investment of more than $23 million in Horse Cave, adding to the company’s footprint in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our food and beverage industry continues to stand out as one of the best in the nation, and we owe a lot of that success to quality suppliers like Dart Container.”
The Horse Cave facility manufactures cups, lids, bowls, plates and deli containers for use in hospitals, schools, restaurants, businesses and homes. Dart Container opened its Horse Cave operations in 1980 and employs approximately 1,400 people.
With its 3 million-square-foot operation now at full capacity, Dart Container plans to build an additional warehouse off South Dixie Street. It will be the 11th expansion for Dart’s Horse Cave facility.
“We are excited about expanding our operations and employment opportunities in Kentucky,” said Dart Executive Vice President of Administration and General Counsel James Lammers. “Kentucky has been a great location for Dart because we can attract and retain excellent employees with diverse skills and a strong work ethic. We are thrilled that our growth will create new jobs in the state.”
Dart Container Corporation is headquartered in Mason, Michigan, and has manufactured single-use foodservice packaging products since 1960. In 2012, Dart Container Corporation acquired Illinois-based Solo Cup Company and now has approximately 15,000 employees and more than 45 production, distribution center and office locations in eight countries.
To encourage investment and job growth in Hart County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives of up to $300,000 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.
KEDFA also approved Dart Container for tax benefits up to $600,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Investment Act, which 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.
“I applaud Dart Container for choosing to grow its existing facility in Horse Cave,” said Sen. Carroll Gibson, of Leitchfield. “Our community and workforce have a lot to offer, and Dart’s decision confirms that. I look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Dart for years to come.”
“While we in the General Assembly continue to advocate passage of bills that will help bring new business and new opportunities to Kentucky, it is essential we also focus on helping existing companies who are ready to grow and add more jobs,” said Rep. Bart Rowland, of Tompkinsville. “Dart Container Corporation’s expansion of its Horse Cave facility is great news for their business, and also an economic shot in the arm for Hart and surrounding counties.”
“The city of Horse Cave is grateful for the support Gov. Steve Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development have extended to the expansion to Dart Container,” said Horse Cave Mayor Randall Curry. “Horse Cave is proud to have had Dart in our community for more than three decades.”
“Hart County is very appreciative of the work that Gov. Beshear and the Economic Development Cabinet have done for Dart Container,” said Hart County Judge-Executive Terry Martin. “These incentives the state has provided for the company show that existing businesses that grow have the help they need to expand operations. We in Hart County look forward to the future growth of Dart in our community.”
For more information on Dart Container, visit www.dartcontainer.com.
A detailed community profile for Horse Cave (Hart County) can be viewed here.
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. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for encouraging new jobs and investment in the state. New capital investment announced in Kentucky in 2013 totaled more than $3.3 billion, spurring more than 14,000 projected new jobs. Information on available industrial properties, workforce development assistance, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other economic development resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.
Source: The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
