RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. —Joined by company and community leaders, Gov. Steve Beshear participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday afternoon to signify the expansion of Bruss North America's corporate headquarters in Russell Springs.
The German-owned company, which specializes in the manufacturing of sealing systems for transmissions and engines, has invested $10 million and is currently in the process of adding more than 100 new jobs at the local plant, according to Oliver Bruss, owner of the company.
"Bruss North America has been an outstanding corporate citizen for many years and we are delighted to be part of their corporate headquarters expansion in Russell Springs," Gov. Beshear said.
"The success and growth of our existing industries is a vital part of Kentucky's economic growth and recovery. This expansion will have a tremendous impact on the entire region and is a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction."
Bruss North America opened its corporate headquarters at 600 Progress Drive in Russell Springs in 2002. The expansion has added 71,400 square feet of manufacturing space and 54,000 more square feet of warehousing space.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved Bruss North America for a low-interest loan in the amount of $1.5 million to assist in the expansion early in the process.
Bruss received a previous approval from KEDFA for tax incentives in the amount of $14,424,704 through the former Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act for their initial location to Kentucky.
"Bruss North America is a well-established business that has operated in Russell County for several years and is a great asset to the county," said Russell County Judge Executive Mickey Garner. "With the expansion of Bruss North America, I am greatly appreciative to them for continuing to generate jobs in Russell County and I sincerely hope they continue to offer their outstanding services."
Russell Springs Mayor Hollis DeHart also spoke of Bruss' impact on the area.
"In these days of economic woes, it takes an exceptional company to maintain and even continue to grow and expand," DeHart said.
"Bruss North America happens to be one of those rare companies. In partnership with Gov. Beshear, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky General Assembly, coupled with an excellent workforce, Bruss North America has become a permanent fixture in this community."
Jamestown Mayor Brooks Bates also thanked the company for their work.
"Russell County is fortunate that the corporate headquarters of an international company such as Bruss North America Inc. is located in our community and is adding new jobs to the local economy," Bates said.
Gene Royalty, the executive director of the Russell County Industrial Authority, introduced the governor to a crowd of onlookers, media and Bruss employees and thanked him for making the trek to Russell County.
