Governor Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky attended the grand opening of Sekisui S-Lec America LLC in Winchester on 9 October 2007. The Japanese company, which manufactures interlayer film and sound acoustic…
Governor Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky attended the grand opening of Sekisui S-Lec America LLC in Winchester on 9 October 2007. The Japanese company, which manufactures interlayer film and sound acoustic film for automotive glass use, is investing more than USD 43 million in its plant, creating 80 jobs. “One of the top priorities of my administration is to bring well-paying, competitive jobs to Kentucky”, said Governor Fletcher, who was accompanied by Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Hindman. “We are honored that an internationally respected company like Sekisui S-Lec has chosen to make its home in Winchester. Today“s grand opening represents new job opportunities for dozens of families in the region”. the Governor said. Sekisui“s new facility is on 93,000 sq. m. in the Winchester Industrial Park. Production capacity is expected to be approximately 6 million automobile units per year. Sekisui“s decision to locate in Kentucky underlined the state“s prominence in the automotive industry. Kentucky is the third-largest producer of cars and light trucks and is home to nearly 500 motor vehicle-related industries. Sekisui“s major customers are concentrated along Interstate-75, and the availability of an industrial park complete with infrastructure figured prominently in the company“s decision. “Sekisui S-Lec America is very excited about our new home in Winchester, Kentucky”, said company President Tsuyoshi “Tony” Okano. “We would like to thank all of the people who were involved in making Sekisui S-Lec America LLC a reality. We promise you that our high quality interlayer film will contribute to car safety, comfort, and the environment”. “The Winchester community is very excited to have Sekisui as our newest corporate citizen”, said Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner. “We hope and believe that our partnership will be long and mutually beneficial”. Sekisui S-Lec America is a subsidiary of Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., which was established in 1947, in Osaka, Japan, and employs more than 17,000 people worldwide. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Sekisui S-Lec America for up to USD 1.6 million in tax benefits under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act, an incentive program aimed at increasing manufacturing employment in the commonwealth.