The U.S. Playing Card Company, one of the largest playing card manufacturers in the United States, is set to expand its Erlanger facility.
The company manufactures the Bee, Bicycle, Aviator, Hoyle, Kem and Congress brand playing cards. In order to keep up with increasing demand, the company is adding a new production line. The project also includes adding new and upgraded equipment.
The expansion is set to create 10 full-time jobs for Kentucky residents, according to a press release from the governor’s office. The company plans to hire several production technicians and machine operators, as well as opening new roles in engineering, customer service, sales and production planning.
Gov. Andy Beshear touted the company’s investment in the state’s manufacturing sector.
“The United States Playing Card Co. located here in the commonwealth in 2008 and has never looked back, continually investing and growing in the Northern Kentucky region,” Beshear said in a press release. “I am thrilled to see them expanding once again and look forward to the company’s continued success here in Boone County.”
U.S. Playing Card Co. was founded in Cincinnati and has been manufacturing cards at a factory in Norwood, Ohio, for over 100 years. Due to business growth and a need for a larger and more efficient manufacturing site, the company began operations in Kentucky in 2008.
The company subsequently invested in equipment including new printing presses, new paper laminating equipment, new warehouse equipment, plus an additional investment in upgrades to the building with the relocation.
“We are particularly pleased about the 10 new high-quality jobs this investment will bring, as this further strengthens our ties with the local community and contributes to the region’s economic growth,” U.S. Playing Card Co. President Craig Townsend said in the release.
Earlier today, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide tax incentives based on the company’s investment.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
The U.S. Playing Card Co.’s benchmarks include the creation and maintenance of 10 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years, paying an average hourly wage of $37.79, including benefits across those jobs.