French manufacturer to locate plant in Corbin, hire 90
Why not in Lawrence Co.?
FRANKFORT – Gov. Matt Bevin Thursday announced Euro Sticks Group, a French family-owned manufacturer of ice cream- and coffee-stir sticks that he visited in April during an economic development mission to Europe, plans to open a 90-job facility in Corbin with an initial $15 million investment.
“When I met Euro Sticks’ leaders and toured their flagship facility in Saint-Sauveur, France, I left with two distinct impressions,” Bevin said in a statement. “First, was the company’s commitment to safety and quality. The pride they take in every facet of their operations is clearly evident. Second, I returned home with a realization that we needed to do everything possible to ensure Euro Sticks’ first plant in North America would be located in Kentucky. Today, we are excited to welcome the financial commitment and new jobs to Eastern Kentucky. This announcement is further proof that our state is a top location for manufacturers with a global client base.”
Euro Sticks, a multi-generational family company with facilities around the world, plans to lease and oversee the buildout of a 57,600-square-foot industrial building in the Southeast Kentucky Business Park for its North America Sticks plant.
The facility will use locally sourced beech logs to make up to 2 billion ice cream- and coffee-stir sticks annually. It will produce a variety of sizes, shapes and lengths and offer custom logo printing. Eastern Kentucky’s supply of beech trees helped draw the company’s interest. As a hardwood, beech is strong and largely lacks odor and flavor, making it preferred for food-grade uses, a state news release said.
“Abundant beech resources and the availability of quality manpower were major factors in our decision to locate our new plant in Kentucky. We also received a warm, professional welcome from the local Corbin team,” Frédéric Debacker, Euro Sticks president and owner, said in the news release. “We look forward to operating a successful manufacturing operation that contributes to the Kentucky economy.”
Founded in 1926, the company made components for shoes prior to World War II. Thereafter, it moved into production of tongue depressors, splints and other wooden devices. As the market for popsicle- and ice cream-sticks grew internationally, Euro Sticks Group expanded. The company now operates plants in the Czech Republic, Romania and Turkey as well as distribution facilities in Australia and Mexico. It employs 500 people and supplies over 10 billion sticks annually.
The Corbin plant will join more than 460 internationally owned companies with operations in Kentucky. Those facilities employ more than 91,000 people.
“This plant will make a wonderful impact on southeast Kentucky. We want Euro Sticks’ leaders and future employees to know this administration is committed to their success,” Bevin said. “We will continue to travel the world to secure jobs and business opportunities like we have announced today.”
Rep. Jim Stewart III, of Flat Lick, said he anticipates North America Sticks will find its new location makes a great fit.
Knox County Judge-Executive J.M. Hall welcomed the company.
“Knox County appreciates the investment that North America Sticks is making in our community and we support this project wholeheartedly. We will assist their efforts in any way possible,” he said. “I am confident that North America Sticks will have a beneficial impact on our county, with both additional manufacturing jobs, as well as new business opportunities for the local logging industry.”
City of Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney said the company’s investment will affect the local economy.
“I would like to welcome North America Sticks to the Southeast Kentucky Regional Business Park. Corbin is grateful for the investment and the jobs North America Sticks plans to create,” Mayor McBurney said. “We look forward to mutually beneficial partnership for many years to come.”
Bruce Carpenter, executive director of the Southeast Kentucky Industrial Development Authority, applauded the company.
“This is a great project for our region and I have to thank Euro Sticks for making the Southeast Kentucky Business Park the home of its first project in North America,” Carpenter said. “We’re very appreciative of the investment in our community and of the good quality jobs North America Sticks will create. We’re looking forward to helping and supporting them as they grow in the future.”
