Gov. Beshear Participates in Ribbon Cutting for Bruss Corporate Headquarter Expansion in Russell Springs
Gov. Steve Beshear speaking at Bruss North America in Russell Springs Wednesday afternoon. (photo by Kem Bell-WJRS)
Joined by company and community leaders, Governor Steve Beshear today participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commence the expansion of Bruss North America’s corporate headquarters in Russell Springs. The German owned company, which specializes in the manufacturing of sealing systems for transmissions and engines, has invested $10 million and is currently in the process of adding more than 100 new jobs at the local plant.
“Bruss North America has been an outstanding corporate citizen for many years and we are delighted to be part of their corporate headquarters expansion in Russell Springs,” said Gov. Beshear. “The success and growth of our existing industries is a vital part of Kentucky’s economic growth and recovery. This expansion will have a tremendous impact on the entire region and is a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction.”
Bruss North America opened its corporate headquarters at 600 Progress Drive in Russell Springs in 2002. The expansion at Bruss has added 71,400 square feet of manufacturing space and 54,000 square feet of warehousing space.
“Bruss North America Inc. has a longstanding relationship with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and since locating the North American headquarters in Russell Springs, we have received key incentives that have been invaluable to the ongoing success of our local facility,” said Robert Rapone, CEO of Bruss North America. “The current programs awarded to Bruss have shown Kentucky’s commitment to the preservation and continued success of businesses currently operating in the state. We would like to thank Gov. Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development for their continuous support and effort.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved Bruss North America for a low-interest loan in the amount of $1.5 million to assist in the expansion. Bruss received a previous approval from KEDFA for tax incentives in the amount of $14,424,704 through the former Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act for their initial location to Kentucky.
“In these days of economic woes, it takes an exceptional company to maintain and even continue to grow and expand,” said Russell Springs Mayor Hollis DeHart. “Bruss North America happens to be one of those rare companies. In partnership with Gov. Beshear, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky General Assembly, coupled with an excellent workforce, Bruss North America has become a permanent fixture in this community.”
