Gov. Beshear Welcomes Belmark to Allen County

By Damon Stone,
Staff Writer

Wisconsin-based Belmark, Incorporated, hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for a new manufacturing facility in Allen County on Wednesday, July 10, with the facility having the opportunity to create over 159 new jobs in the Allen Springs Industrial Park.

Belmark specializes in the production of printed pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging, and folding cartons, with the planned 156,000-square-foot facility allowing those new jobs to have an average wage of $37 per hour, including benefits.

Joined by local officials including David Burch, the mayor of Scottsville, and Dennis Harper, the county judge-executive, and Governor Andy Beshear spoke at the event, commenting on the impact that such a facility will have on the community.

“With every groundbreaking event, we celebrate another quality investment that will bring job opportunities and economic growth to the Commonwealth,” Beshear said. “This is an exciting next step for Belmark and the Allen County community. I want to thank the company’s leadership for their belief in what this great state has to offer and look forward to Belmark’s success here in Kentucky.”

Belmark’s decision to settle in Allen County was influenced by the culture of the community, after a nearly two-year process looking for a location that was business-friendly, and provided the resources that they need.

“What we really were looking for was (a place) that fit our culture to take care of our Belmark family,” Karl Schmidt, president and CEO of Belmark, said. “And as I look at Belmark, Wisconsin, I think it’s a small town, and I think of Scottsville, and what is a small town? You know your neighbors, and you feel safe, where people pitch in, they get things done, and it is a place where people take care of each other, celebrate the good times, successes, but more importantly, it takes care of each other; I think you feel that here.”

Belmark’s project had recently contributed to Site Selection magazine’s recent ranking of Allen County in the top 20 on its list of America’s Best Counties based on points per capita, being one of four Kentucky counties that made the list.

“Y’all oughta be proud,” Beshear expressed in relation to the ranking. “Breaking through the red or the blue, breaking through the “D” or the “R,” and just making sure that you make this community the very best for your families, and look at this investment that you are seeing. We’ve got a chance to continue building the type of Kentucky that we always dreamed of, the type where no matter where our kids grow up, that they can chase any of their dreams no matter how big they are, and can chase them in their own community if they choose it.”

Kentucky State Senator Max Wise echoed the sentiment from the governor that the collaborative spirit in the county and in the state government which has allowed for companies and businesses to be more attracted to the state, highlighting the importance of having a sound workforce.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to not only serve you as your state senator in Allen County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but to see what this provides,” Wise expressed.

Representative Shawn McPherson delved into the history of the project, beginning in the Extension Office where representatives from the area talked about benefits and challenges that they were willing to face in Allen County and Kentucky.

“My role in this was to tell them that state legislators have worked to make Kentucky a very pro-business state,” McPherson explained.

McPherson explained that as a part of House Bill 8, every time the state performs and hits a certain criteria, taxes will be lowered by a certain percent, which benefits businesses and will give everyone a raise.

“This area, southcentral Kentucky, Bowling Green, the (Barren River Area Development District, or BRADD) area, we’re on fire,” McPherson explained. “We are the top place in the state of Kentucky for a rate of return. You put your money here, and you’ll get a good rate of return.”

Dennis Harper emphasized how he looks forward to the opportunities that Belmark’s investment will bring to the community, being a historic day for Allen County.

“We are very excited about Belmark locating in Allen County,” Harper expressed. “This will provide more opportunities for our citizens to stay in Allen County and provide for their families. We look forward to a long relationship.”

David Burch emphasized what the other speakers said, with the growth for Belmark in the region being matched by the growth for Allen County.

“We are excited to welcome Belmark to our community and pledge to work with them as they grow,” Burch said. “This is a great company that weighed both the economic opportunity and quality of life in making the decision to expand into our area. They will be an exceptional partner moving forward.”

The executive director of the Allen County/Scottsville Industrial Development Authority, or ACSIDA, Johnny Hobdy, commented on the impact that the investment will have on the community and surrounding area.

“Belmark selecting Scottsville and Allen County for their next facility is a game-changer for our community,” Hobdy said. “My commitment, as well as our community’s, is to make them every day proud of their decision, and we are beyond excited for this partnership.”

Construction on the facility is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with the facility being planned to be operational by 2026.

“This is a pure example of what happens when you have a strong Industrial Development Authority working closely with city, county and state leadership.”  The Citizen-Times publisher Jeff Jobe said. “This is a good day for us all.”