Dart Container Corporation plans to invest $23 million to expand its operations in Hart County, Kentucky. The leading manufacturer of single-use foodservice packaging products will build an approximately 650,000-square-foot warehouse in Horse Cave, with plans to create up to 30 jobs.

The Horse Cave facility manufactures cups, lids, bowls, plates and deli containers for use in hospitals, schools, restaurants, businesses and homes. Dart Container opened its Horse Cave operations in 1980 and employs approximately 1,400 people. With its 3 million-square-foot operation now at full capacity, Dart Container plans to build an additional warehouse off South Dixie Street. It will be the 11th expansion for Dart’s Horse Cave facility.

“We are excited about expanding our operations and employment opportunities in Kentucky,” said Dart Executive Vice President of Administration and General Counsel James Lammers. “Kentucky has been a great location for Dart because we can attract and retain excellent employees with diverse skills and a strong work ethic. We are thrilled that our growth will create new jobs in the state.”

Dart Container Corporation is headquartered in Mason, Michigan, and has manufactured single-use foodservice packaging products since 1960. In 2012, Dart Container Corporation acquired Illinois-based Solo Cup Company and now has approximately 15,000 employees and more than 45 production, distribution center and office locations in eight countries.

“We are excited to see Dart Container grow in Kentucky with the creation of 30 jobs and an investment of more than $23 million in Horse Cave, adding to the company’s footprint in Kentucky,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “Our food and beverage industry continues to stand out as one of the best in the nation, and we owe a lot of that success to quality suppliers like Dart Container.”

As an incentive to encourage investment and job growth in Hart County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives of up to $300,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

KEDFA also approved Dart Container for tax benefits up to $600,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Investment Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.

“The city of Horse Cave is grateful for the support Governor Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development have extended to the expansion to Dart Container,” said Horse Cave Mayor Randall Curry. “Horse Cave is proud to have had Dart in our community for more than three decades.”