Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and local government and economic officials opened Murray’s newest manufacturing facility today.
The German automotive supplier iwis is creating 75 full-time jobs and investing more than $12.5 million.
"We are very excited to celebrate iwis and the opening of its first U.S. facility," said Beshear. "The fact that world-class companies continue to choose Kentucky as the destination for their global operations speaks volumes for the pro-business climate and workforce quality we have to offer. There's no doubt that iwis will do big things in Kentucky for years to come."
The 119,000 square-foot facility located off U.S. Highway 641 North will manufacture timing drive systems for engines. The company first announced its move to Kentucky in 2012.
“Our state has become a leader in automotive supplies manufacturing,” said Sen. Stan Humphries, of Cadiz. “To see yet another international company open a manufacturing center and create opportunities for skilled workers – this time in Murray – is great news. I welcome iwis to Kentucky and look forward to working with them as they get established here.”
“iwis has worked closely with our economic development corporation to ensure that its startup is a success,” said Calloway County Judge-Executive Larry Elkins. “As the company obtains contracts and grows, I feel certain that it will be a great employer in the community, and the community will help iwis be strong and profitable.”
The state has granted $2.5 million in tax incentives for the company through the Kentucky Business Investment program.
iwis began hiring employees earlier this year and will continue hiring through 2016. Production is planned to begin this summer.
Formed in Germany in 1916, iwis, a family-owned company, first began with success in the production of bicycle chains. It eventually became the iwisGroup, a global technology leader in high-quality automotive and industrial chains. The company now has more than 1,000 employees at 22 facilities worldwide.
