Company produces conveyor systems and other technology for manufacturers
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 15, 2020) – Span Tech LLC, which designs and produces plastic chain conveyor systems for manufacturers, plans to expand in Barren County with a $13.2 million investment expected to create 40 full-time jobs over the next 10 years.
“Span Tech has provided job opportunities for residents in and around Barren County for nearly four decades, and I am glad to see the company continue to grow,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This relocation and expansion will greatly benefit both the company and the community as we continue to move forward together to create a brighter future for Kentuckians.”
Span Tech manufactures conveyor systems and other material handling technology for a wide range of industries. The company’s investment will include the purchase of 10 acres on Hilltopper Way and construction of a 100,000-square-foot production, warehouse and assembly operation there, as well as new equipment. The new facility will support Span Tech’s growth for new and existing customers and the introduction of a new guiderail product line. Company leaders anticipate work will begin on the project in spring of 2021 with the move from their current facility on Cleveland Avenue to be completed by early 2022.
“We could not be more excited to expand our business and create new jobs in this area. This expansion plan will increase our efficiency, improve our ability to deliver quality products and increase our capacity to serve new customers,” said Tiffany Somerville, COO of Span Tech. “Our Span Tech team has been blessed with the opportunity over the years to be able to provide support to many charitable organizations in our community. This expansion will allow us to continue to impact others. We are very appreciative of the state and local support we have received toward our growth. We look forward to our future here in Kentucky.”
Span Tech opened in Glasgow in 1981 as a supplier of durable plastic chain conveyors and grew to serve an array of industries that includes food and beverage, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce. Since opening nearly 40 years ago, the company grew from a staff of 11 to more than 90 associates. Span Tech continually invests in research and development to create innovative products.
Glasgow Mayor Harold Armstrong noted the company’s long history of success in the community.
“This is an exciting new opportunity for Span Tech,” Mayor Armstrong said. “They have had nearly 40 years of success in Glasgow, and we are pleased to see the company shows no signs of slowing down, we thank them for their commitment to our community.”
Barren County Judge/Executive Michael Hale pointed out the company’s willingness to give back to local organizations.
“We could not be more excited for Span Tech LLC. The leadership of this business has been a tremendous partner for our community and particularly with our school system,” Judge/Executive Hale said. “This expansion shows their continued support and faith in Barren County and we wish all the best in this endeavor and they have our full support.”
Maureen Carpenter, executive director for the Barren County Economic Authority, said the job creation will greatly benefit the local workforce.
“Span Tech has been a great employer and strong corporate citizen for the past four decades and we are grateful for their decision to expand here,” Carpenter said. “These 40 new jobs will provide a significant boost to our local economy.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $400,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $13.2 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 40 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $18 including benefits across those jobs.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, Span Tech can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.
For more information on Span Tech, visit www.SpanTechConveyors.com.
A detailed community profile for Barren County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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