Bowling Green, KY, Nov. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Horizon Steel Company, a steel service center, today announced their intent to expand their operations and locate a 90,000 square foot facility in Bowling Green. The project will bring a capital investment of $15 million and 30 new full-time positions to the region.
"We are very excited by the opportunity to locate to Bowling Green, which we feel is a perfect complement to our other locations" said John Chirikas, CEO of Horizon Steel. "We felt it was absolutely critical to position ourselves in a locale that will allow us to meet evolving manufacturing demands and Bowling Green, fits that description perfectly".
Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson joined state and local leaders and company officials today for the announcement.
"With a perfect location and strong workforce, Horizon Steel is going to thrive here in Bowling Green," said Lt. Gov. Abramson. "We're glad the Commonwealth could play a role in making this sizable investment possible and we're proud to support the partnership between Horizon and Bilstein, and we wish them success."
The facility will be a part of a co-located operation anticipated to span approximately 150,000 square feet in the Kentucky Transpark and will also serve as a production plant and U.S. Headquarters for the Bilstein Group.
"Horizon Steel and Bilstein Group's collaboration in South Central Kentucky is further proof that the Commonwealth is a great place to do business on an international scale," said Gov. Beshear. "This partnership, which will result in the creation of 30 additional jobs, will make Kentucky a key player in the steel-processing industry, and I'm looking forward to the results."
The expansion comes on the heels of an agreement for Horizon to be the exclusive processing partner to German-based Bilstein who produces cold-rolled strip steel products and recently announced a $120 million project for the South Central Kentucky region.
"We are extremely proud to have been selected by Bilstein Group as their processor of choice", stated Mr. Chirikas. "We have a long and excellent relationship with Bilstein and share the same philosophies regarding complete customer satisfaction", added Rick Nicolay, President of Horizon Steel. "We are very excited to be part of this project and see this as a great way to expand our business."
Horizon is an ISO/TS 16949 certified company that currently has divisions in Wheeling, Illinois and Shelby Township, Michigan.
"Horizon is a perfect fit for our region," stated Brad Howard, Chamber Board Chairman. "Not only will our community as a whole benefit from the investment Horizon is making in South Central Kentucky, but the services and products they offer are in high demand by the manufacturing sector; a sector that thrives here."
"TVA and Warren RECC are pleased to partner with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Bowling Green Area Chamber and local community leaders to help Bilstein supplier Horizon Steel establish a facility within the new mill to be built by Bilstein and provide more jobs for area residents," said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley.
The list of services that Horizon provides includes slitting, shearing, edging, blanking, leveling and gauge reduction. They offer a full line of carbon-based products including hot rolled, cold rolled, hot dipped and electro galvanized, galvannealed and aluminized in all grades.
"We are always happy to celebrate the location of a new company into our region," said Judge Executive Michael Buchanon. "What 's even better is when that company not only invests in our community but improves the business climate for our corporate citizens as well. We couldn't be more pleased to welcome Horizon to the area."
Horizon is the fifth economic development announcement for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce this year for a total investment of more than $215 million and the creation of more than 300 jobs. Horizon is the third new company to locate to the South Central Kentucky region this year.
"It's the location of companies such as Horizon that continue to allow Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky to expand and thrive," said Mayor Bruce Wilkerson." We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a place for these companies and look forward to their continued success."
For more information on Horizon Steel Co. visit www.horizonsteel.com.
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About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,100 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.