An automotive plastics manufacturer is planning to double its facility and workforce in Christian County.
Gov. Steve Beshear announced today that Riken Elastomers Corporation will create 27 new jobs and invest more than $22 million into expanding its Hopkinsville facility.
“This is a welcome investment in western Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “The fact that Riken Elastomers plans such a significant expansion here is further testament to our skilled workforce and thriving auto industry. Riken has been a tremendous corporate partner to the Commonwealth, and we want to celebrate the company’s success and the new jobs being created.”
The Japanese-owned company is adding more than 81,000 square feet to its already 88,000-square-foot facility as well as new production lines all in order to keep pace with growing demand.
“We are delighted to expand again here in Hopkinsville,” said company president Gakuyuki Kajiyama. “Hopkinsville is an ideal location for us, and with strong support from the state and city, we are able to continue to grow our business. We believe that Riken Elastomers Corporation has a strong future in Hopkinsville.”
Since 2007, Riken Elastomers has manufactured high-performance plastic compounds primarily used in the automotive industry, though Thermo Plastic Compounds are used in many applications.
To encourage the growth, the Kentucky Development Finance Authority has preliminary approved the company up to $675,000 of tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program.
The expansion is expected to be completed by mid-2016.