Michigan-based auto parts supplier to locate $110 million facility here
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Thursday, March 31, 2016, 12:01 p.m. — Thai Summit America Corp., a Michigan-based automotive industry supplier of stamped and welded parts, announced today it plans to build a $110 million facility that will bring 216 new jobs to Bardstown and Nelson County.
The facility is the company’s first in Kentucky. Construction on the 220,000-square-foot plant will begin in May on an 82-acre tract in the Nelson County Industrial Park adjacent the Bluegrass Parkway. The facility is expected to be completed before the end of the year, and it will provide stamped and welded metal assemblies for the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.
In a press release regarding the announcement, Gov. Matt Bevin said the addition of Thai Summit America to Kentucky’s auto industry “speaks to our continuing momentum and the benefits of location and existing customer base that Kentucky offers.
“With a reputation for quality products earned across three decades in the U.S., Thai Summit makes a welcome addition to both Kentucky’s automotive industry and the Nelson County economy,” he said.
“We look forward to establishing Thai Summit’s first Kentucky facility and supplying our customer, Ford Motor Co., with the quality products that it has come to expect and rely upon from us,” said Chumpol Rangson, president and CEO of Thai Summit America Corp.
Thai Summit America had narrowed their search for a new facility to several communities in two states, according to Kim Huston, executive director of the Nelson County Economic Development Agency.
“They really liked the 82-acre tract of land and loved Bardstown,” she said. “They told us it was important to locate in community and not just an industrial part because they become very involved in the community their facilities are located.”
Huston said she anticipates a groundbreaking for the new facility in May.
Bardstown Mayor John Royalty said Thai Summit will make a great fit in the growing community.
“Bardstown is honored that Thai Summit selected us for their new U.S. manufacturing facility. Their investment in our community will help create new jobs and add to our ever-growing economy,” he said.
Nelson County Judge-Executive Dean Watts noted Thai Summit’s investment in Nelson County ranks as the largest in some time.
“We are pleased to have Thai Summit join our Nelson County community. Thai Summit represents one of the largest investments made in Nelson County in many years,” Watts said.
STATE INCENTIVES. The company has received preliminary approval for several tax incentives aimed at encouraging industry to locate in Kentucky. This includes up to $5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program and $1 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act
The company is also eligible to receive assistance from the Kentucky Skills Network in the form of no-cost recruitment and and job placement services.
ABOUT THAI SUMMIT. Established in 1985 in Howell, Mich., Thai Summit America Corp. – a Thai Summit Group company – also supplies other Ford facilities, Chrysler and other automotive manufacturers. It offers remote laser welding, 3-D white light measurement and high-strength steel capabilities. Thai Summit currently operates facilities in North America and Asia.
The company is currently working to complete a 54,000-square-foot expansion of its Howell, Mich., facility
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