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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

China-based Birtley Invests $10 Million On First US Plant In Lexington, Kentucky

09/19/2012
Birtley, a producer of coal equipment processing machinery and subsidiary of china-based Shandong Borun Industrial Processing Equipment, will invest approximately $10 million on a new 67,500-square-foot manufacturing facility at Blue Grass Business Park in Lexington, Kentucky, with plans to create jobs for up to 50 employees.

"Lexington is a very diversified community, and we appreciate all the support we are receiving from the city and the community," said Birtley President Bing Chen. "We hope the Birtley facility will be as successful as our other facilities in China."

Shandong Borun has three manufacturing facilities in China. The company's products include machines used in coal preparation, mineral processing, and devices used in the power, steel, cement and port industries.

"Our community needs jobs, and attracting good jobs to Lexington is a top priority for our city," said Mayor Jim Gray. "Lexington is proud to be home to this significant Chinese investment."

"Birtley liked Lexington for its proximity to the coal industry and customers," said Bob Quick, CCE, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington. "But they also liked the accessibility of the eastern United States and the low cost of doing business in the Commonwealth."

"This is a historic time in Kentucky with the first manufacturing firm from China locating in the Commonwealth," Gov. Steve Beshear said. "We welcome Birtley to the dynamic Blue Grass Business Park in Lexington and we're thrilled to see a company from China locate here, invest in the Commonwealth and provide jobs to Kentuckians."

While incentives offered the firm were not immediately available, the Governor's Office said Birtley worked with the World Trade Center Kentucky and Commerce Lexington in making the decision to locate in Lexington. Kentucky's foreign direct investment continues to grow, as the Commonwealth is now home to more than 420 foreign-owned companies from 30 nations, employing nearly 76,000 people.

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