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UGN, Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening in Kentucky

Governor Ernie Fletcher visited Somerset, KY in April to celebrate the grand opening of UGN, Inc.’s new facility in Pulaski County. The 314,000 square-foot Somerset plant will employ approximately 300 Kentuckians within the next three years and represents a $16 million investment in the commonwealth.

“I’m delighted to join UGN, Inc. officials and the Pulaski County community to commemorate the grand opening of this new Somerset facility,” says Gov. Fletcher. “I thank UGN, Inc. for their investment in Kentucky and know their confidence in our great state is well placed.”

UGN, Inc., a leading producer of automotive acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products, supplies the Japanese transplant automotive industry in North America. Its Somerset plant will produce the company’s first acoustical carpet system for 2007 production year vehicles.

“Expanding our offerings to include carpet systems to our current product line, paired with the opening of a fourth manufacturing facility is a great success for UGN,” says Peter Anthony, president and CEO of UGN. “Somerset, Ky. is an excellent location for our fourth facility, and we look forward to increasing the future economic development of Somerset.”

Established as a joint venture in 1986 between Nihon Tokushu Tokyo Co., Ltd. and Rieter Automotive Systems, UGN, Inc. is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and has three manufacturing plants, one research and development facility, and more than 1,300 team members.

“I am thrilled that UGN has chosen Pulaski County for its new location. The building and land was donated by Tecumseh and we have invested $1.5 million to re-habit the building,” says Pulaski County Judge Executive Darrell BeShears. “We couldn't have chosen a better company than UGN. I welcome them here, wish them great success, and will be here to support their future endeavors. I appreciate all the people that have been involved in this project."

“Somerset and Pulaski County are fortunate to have UGN locating in our community,” says Somerset Mayor J.P. Wiles. “We are very happy they chose Somerset to locate this new facility. This will allow approximately 300 employees to have good quality jobs, without leaving our community to make their living."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved UGN, Inc. for tax benefits up to $5.6 million under the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act (KREDA), an incentive program designed to locate or expand manufacturing operations in counties suffering from high rates of unemployment.