Leggett and Platt, Inc., a manufacturer of engineered components, will consolidate parts of its Kentucky-based manufacturing operations in Kouts, Ind., creating up to 30 new jobs by 2012 in the city.
The company, which manufactures residential furnishings and commercial fixtures, will invest $275,000 to consolidate from Nicholasville, Ken., to the company’s current 200,000-square-foot facility in Kouts. As part of the project, Leggett and Platt has already installed additional wire-drawing equipment at its facility.
“Leggett and Platt’s decision represents the continued trend of confidence that expanding companies have in our business climate,” said Dan Hasler, secretary of commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Indiana continues to welcome new jobs from companies consolidating from neighboring states and foreign countries. This announcement is the latest example of the benefits of maintaining fiscal discipline and a low-cost business environment.”
Leggett and Platt currently employs 85 associates at its six Indiana locations. It has already begun hiring additional machine operators and material handling associates in Kouts.
“We were driven to expand in Kouts by our decision to consolidate our Kentucky facility and move that volume to other facilities,” said Bill Avise, vice president of Leggett and Platt. “The workforce at our Kouts facility is excellent, with the town proving great to work with.”
Established in 1883, J.P. Leggett and C.B. Platt patented the spiral-steel coil bedspring in 1885 that was advertised as the provider of the best night’s sleep. The Carthage, Mo.-based company is one of the largest steel-wire producers in the nation and is both a member of the S&P 500 and Fortune 1000.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Leggett and Platt, Inc. up to $275,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The town of Kouts approved additional property tax abatement.
