Roofing /Siding Company to Open Allen Plant

Roofing /Siding Company to Open Allen Plant

January 15, 2015 (Scottsville, KY) by Matt Pedigo, C-T News Editor

Wondering what’s being built along the new US 231 near Candy’s Campers? A reason for job seekers and local businesses in the Allen County and the surrounding area to celebrate as they begin the new year.

Lowell, Ark.-based metal building component manufacturer Central States Manufacturing, Inc. (centralstatesmfg.com) announced Monday that they are constructing a new 24,000 square-foot Scottsville plant that will open for business in April 2015.With a logo stating, “Right, On-Time, Every Time®,” the company makes top-quality metal siding and roofing products for residential and commercial construction or renovations.

“Central States produces steel roof andsidingpanels and trim, purlins, accessories,gutters, windows and doors—all part of the wide assortment of products available from Central States,” a company release stated.“An employee-owned company, Central States works constantly to ensure orders are right, that they are delivered on-time, and that theyareconsistent every time.”

“Central States is very happy to be adding Scottsville to our family,” said Central’s Vice President of Operations Tim Ruger. “Our growth is based on our commitment to making raving fans of our customers with outstanding customer service, quality and our ‘Right, On-Time, Every Time’ promise. We are excited to continue to exceed the expectations of our new customers in central Kentucky.”

If you’re seeking employment, this may be an opportunity. Applications can be completed now via the company’s website, centralstatesmfg.com, which currently lists seven first-shift openings for the Scottsville plant, plus three more positions available, for a total of 10 new local jobs. Also, the company will also be one of several area employers set to offer informational booths in the Allen County-Scottsville Industrial Development Authority’s Winter Job Fair, set for next Wednesday, Jan. 21.

“We’ll be hiring 10 new employee-owners for positions in production, sales and truck driving,” said Kirby Ramsey, the new facility’s general manager.

Central’s Director of Marketing, Gordon Blickle, said the company’s wages will be competitive for these roles. In addition, new employees will immediately become part-owners of the company, and share in its stock earnings. Central States is an employee-owned corporation, “so customers always know they are working with an owner of the company at every step in the process,” the release states.

The system has been mutually beneficial for the company and its overall current workforce of 500, Blickle said. He noted the case of one Central truck driver who recently retired as a millionaire and was featured in a Forbes magazine article. Employees who stay with the company long enough can achieve that as well, Blickle said.

“As soon as you come on board, you’ll be an owner,” he said. “We don’t trade that off for other types of compensation. Our earnings have gone up every year, and this has been very meaningful for us.”

Blickle encourages prospective workers to visit the website and apply as soon as possible—the company wants to have its workforce in place by early March in anticipation of the plant’s opening in April. When it opens, the plant will sell its products to area building materials providers, or directly to contractors or do-it-yourself consumers who come to the plant.

Central’s products are already being used in Kentucky, and the Scottsville location will streamline and expedite the delivery process, Blickle said. He noted that the company had been supplying our region from another facility in Jasper, Ala.

“We’re excited about being in the area,” he said. “This will serve our Kentucky market better.”

The IDA worked extensively with Central to make the Scottsville project happen, and IDA Board of Directors Chairman Jordan Clarke expressed excitement about landing Central States in the local business community.

“When Central States approached us concerning the purchase of the 7.87 acres of land on Dry Ridge Road for their new location in Kentucky, we knew it would be a win-win for both of us,” he said. “The location has maximum exposure for traffic traveling along the 231 corridor from Scottsville to Bowling Green. We are confident that this was a great decision for both the IDA and Central States and will create new jobs and further economic development in our community.”

The Allen County facility will be the company’s seventh nationally, but the first in Kentucky.

“I am so pleased that such a distinguished company has chosen Allen County for a new $2 million facility,” State Sen. David Givens (R-Ninth District) said. “Central States is a fast-growing and successful American manufacturing company that takes pride in their high-level of service and their attractive employee stock ownership plans. The fact that they are going to provide well-paying jobs to a community in my district truly is flattering, because these are the types of jobs Kentuckians deserve and of which they can be proud.”

“Central States Manufacturing is a great fit for our community,” adds State Rep. Wilson Stone (D-22nd District). “We appreciate very much them bringing this high quality employment to us and look forward to them growing over time.”

“Central States Manufacturing demonstrates why Kentucky’s reputation continues to grow as an ideal location for manufacturers with our pro-business climate, unsurpassed logistical advantages and infrastructure,” Gov. Steve Beshear (D) said. “We’re thrilled to partner with this employee-owned company and are excited about the creation of new jobs in Scottsville.”

Scottsville Mayor Rob Cline added, “We are thrilled to have Central States become a part of our community and wish them the best of luck in their new venture.”

“We are excited that Central States has chosen Allen County and the South Central Kentucky area to expand their operations into Kentucky,” adds Allen Judge/Executive Johnny Hobdy (D). “We hope to provide a friendly and helpful work environment and partnership with them and make their investment in Allen County a decision they will be glad they made.”

Choosing Central products is a decision contractors and consumers will be glad they made, Central says.

“Not all metal is the same. Better-quality metals fade and rust less, are less prone to dents and scratches, and outperform and outlast average materials. Central States Manufacturing, Inc. produces the highest-quality metal building components for more than 2,000 post frame, commercial, residential and architectural customers in the United States.

“More than 500 quality control steps make certain that Central States products and service are the best in the industry,” the company’s release states.

To find out more about the Allen County-Scottsville Industrial Development Authority please view their website at: www.scottsvillegrowth.com.