Bryan Marshall
Register News Writer
Tue, May 13 2008
—
A luxury home appliance manufacturer will be building a 200,000-square-foot facility in Richmond, Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Hindman announced Tuesday.
The Wisconsin-based Sub-Zero Wolf Inc., which plans to acquire 45 acres for its facility in the Richmond Industrial Park South II off Duncannon Lane, will create an estimated 100 new, full-time jobs and invest $35.5 million in the commonwealth.
The facility, which will produce dishwashers — a new product for the company — likely will break ground in spring 2008 and start production by mid-2009, said Paul Leuthe, corporate marketing director for Sub-Zero Wolf.
“This is the second time we have stepped out of our (Wisconsin) borders to establish a manufacturing facility,” he said, adding that another facility is located in Phoenix, Ariz. “We chose (Richmond), I think, from a logistical point of view, making sure that it is kind of centrally located so we can ship products around the country.”
The average hourly wage, according to state data, will be $16.36 with a range of $14 to $36.05.
“Kentucky is pleased to welcome a company such as Sub-Zero Wolf, whose reputation for quality is renowned,” Fletcher said. “This multimillion-dollar investment in the Richmond community will have a tremendous impact on dozens of families in the region. We look forward to years of growth and prosperity.”
Founded in 1945, Sub-Zero is now in its third generation of family ownership and management, and for more than 70 years, the Wolf brand has been synonymous with professional cooking equipment for restaurants and hotels. Now as part of Sub-Zero, the Wolf line has been adapted for the serious residential cook.
“It’s another wonderful day in Madison County,” said Judge-Executive Kent Clark. “We are so excited about the decision by the Sub-Zero Wolf Company to locate in the Richmond Industrial Park South II. It takes teamwork and many other factors to convince a great company like Sub-Zero Wolf to locate in our community. I truly believe that the quality of life we all enjoy in Madison County could have been the final deciding factor.”
Jimmy Howard, Richmond Industrial Development director, said he initially was contacted in December 2006 by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development about the possibility of Sub-Zero coming to Richmond, and the decision eventually came down to a community in Tennessee and Madison County.
“I believe it’s really good news for Richmond,” he said. “It’s a 100 jobs to start with in a 200,000-square-foot building. Then, they would build another 200,000-square-foot building at a later date with another 100 employees. And, there is a possibility that they would build a distribution center out there, as well. I would think that would mean, certainly, more employees.”
“We truly our excited about this industry,” Howard said. “We know it’s a wonderful product. We’re looking forward to construction beginning.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved Sub-Zero Wolf Inc. for tax benefits up to $1.5 million under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act (KIDA), an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state.
“Sub-Zero Wolf will be an important partner in our community and will greatly enhance our existing industrial base,” said Richmond Mayor Connie Lawson. “It has been a great experience working with the people of Sub-Zero Wolf during the recruiting process and we will continue that close relationship with them as they grow in Richmond.”
For inquiries about jobs or the possibility of construction contracts, interested parties should send information to: Kevin Unbehaun, Sub-Zero/Wolf, 4717 Hammersley Road, Madison, WI 53711.
Bryan Marshall can be reached at bmarshall@richmondregister.com or 624-6691.
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