Kayser Automotive Systems Announces Expansion in Fulton, KY

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Written by Benita Fuzzell Fulton Leader News

What was described as a “marathon beginning last Spring” by Fulton County-Hickman County Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Wendy Puckett, reached the finish line Tuesday morning, with the announcement of the expansion of one Fulton industry, and the return of another to Graves County.

The announcement was made jointly by Fulton County and Graves County economic development leadership at Fulton’s Pontotoc Community Center, where a large crowed gathered to receive the official word Kayser Automotive Systems USA, LP would be expanding and ultimately acquiring the space in Fulton’s Industrial Park having been used by MVP Group, International.

MVP Group, International, will be relocating their facility to Mayfield.

Puckett first thanked a number of individuals, boards and partnerships, including Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, for helping “make Kentucky more competitive and business friendly.”

“Our administration is dedicated to establishing pro-business policies at every level,” said Gov. Bevin. “We are excited for both Kayser Automotive and MVP Group as they move forward with this significant expansion. We anticipate more companies will follow in their footsteps as we work with national, regional, county and community level partners to pave the way for every business in Kentucky to prosper.”

“We appreciate the investment, trust and cooperation which has been extended by all parties and the unity and cooperation in this unprecedented, difficult process associated with two companies, two projects and two communities. We believe what we now have is a win-win solution,” Puckett said.

Stefan Schutte, CEO of Kayser Automotive Systems USA, LP said, “Three years ago, Kayser was introduced here. We are growing, and during that time we added Ford as a customer.” Schutte also noted Kayser will be now associated with Jeep Wrangler and Mercedes, producing their products on the assembly lines.

“The problem was, we ran out of space, We are happy to expand and make use of the MVP building and have our equipment installed there,” he said, adding the company will be reaching out “looking for more people” to employ.

The Fulton facility employs about 60 people in manufacturing and assembling plastic injection-molded and metal parts. Products include fuel tank components, engine and under-hood parts, such as activated charcoal canisters, valves, lines, filters and vent ducting, as well vehicle interior components. Kayser Fulton specializes in development and production from 3D simulation to detailed manufacturing to comprehensive testing, all using the latest technologies.

Rodney Bohannon, Vice President and GM of MVP Group, International echoed the sentiment of how “everyone can win” with the announcement, sharing how Mary Propes, the company’s founder had her roots in Mayfield, starting in 1999 with the home fragrance company.

“We have some great people here in the Fulton plant and we will offer all 69 fulltime employees a position in our Mayfield facility. We understand that not all of them will be able to make the transfer, but we also have our Union City, Tenn. distribution center where there could be transfers,” Bohannon said.

He also offered appreciation to Gov. Bevin for providing “tools to support businesses in Kentucky”.

Fulton County-Hickman County Economic Development Partnership board chairman Greg Pruitt encouraged future joint projects relating to economic development between two or more counties and two or more communities, focusing on regional visions.

“The Fultons and the Clintons can’t do it on our own. Each community is different, but we all want jobs” he said, adding the areas of Tourism and Transportation should also be examined from a joint partnership perspective.

Fulton County Judge-Executive Jim Martin praised the state legislators for the recent “right to work law, important on this state line, as a competitive issue” and commended them for the prevailing wage law being “gone”.

Other speakers at the podium Tuesday morning included Fulton Mayor David Prater, Mayfield Mayor Teresa Rochetti-Cantrell, Dave Anderson, Graves County Economic Development Board Chair, Graves County Judge Executive Jesse Perry, and Ryan Drane, Graves County Economic Development President.

The complex deal took months to assemble, and includes modification various existing financial incentives and jobs-related agreements, equipment purchase plans and relocation logistics.

Parties involved include representatives from both companies, county economic development groups, the Delta Regional Authority, local elected officials and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. A memorandum of understanding was signed recently, detailing the plan.

Kayser Automotive to Add 100 Jobs in Fulton

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commonwealth of kentucky

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Governor’s Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Woody Maglinger
502-564-2611
[email protected]

Jack Mazurak
502-782-1965
[email protected]

Kayser Automotive to Add 100 Jobs in Fulton with $26 Million Investment

In agreement benefitting employees, companies and communities, candle manufacturer MVP Group to move operations to Mayfield, allowing vehicle parts supplier to lease existing building

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 17, 2017) – With an agreement in place to benefit two Western Kentucky manufacturers and communities, Gov. Matt Bevin today announced A. Kayser Automotive Systems USA plans to hire 100 additional employees as it expands into a facility next door to its current plant in Fulton.

Making the $26 million expansion possible, the building’s current tenant, MVP Group International, will move its 69 current jobs to its nearby plant in Mayfield, where it will and consolidate its manufacturing of scented candles.

“Our administration is dedicated to establishing pro-business policies at every level,” said Gov. Bevin. “We are excited for both Kayser Automotive and MVP Group as they move forward with this significant expansion. We anticipate more companies will follow in their footsteps as we work with national, regional, county and community level partners to pave the way for every business in Kentucky to prosper.”

The 60,000 square-foot building will allow Kayser to increase manufacturing and warehousing space for a variety of mechanical and passenger-cabin automotive parts. The facility could open this spring.

“Expanding our current facility in Fulton, Ky. is the best solution for Kayser Automotive Systems, Fulton County, the surrounding communities, as well as the State of Kentucky,”  said Kayser Automotive Systems CEO Stefan Schutte. “Due to fast increasing business, we outgrew our current facility and needed space to meet our customer’s demands. Expanding in Fulton not only enables us to be efficient using existing infrastructure but also capitalizing on one of our most treasured assets, our dedicated employees.”

Kayser Automotive Systems GmbH, a German family owned business for over half a century, announced plans in 2013 to build the Fulton plant, its first U.S. facility to serve automakers and tier-one suppliers in the U.S.

The Fulton facility employs about 60 people in manufacturing and assembling plastic injection-molded and metal parts. Products include fuel tank components, engine and under-hood parts, such as activated charcoal canisters, valves, lines, filters and vent ducting, as well vehicle interior components. Kayser Fulton specializes in development and production from 3D simulation to detailed manufacturing to comprehensive testing, all using the latest technologies.

MVP Group, based in Charleston, S.C., designs and manufactures private-label and branded candles, candle accessories, home fragrance products and decorative accessory gift products for major retail customers worldwide.

By moving its Fulton County employees and production resources to Mayfield, the company expects to increase efficiency while preserving jobs.

“This is a potential win for everyone involved,” said Rodney Bohannon, vice president and general manager of MVP Group. “As always our customers and employees are of utmost importance. Having all of our resources under one roof will enable us to be more efficient and cost competitive, which is key in today’s environment.”

The complex deal took months to assemble, and includes modification various existing financial incentives and jobs-related agreements, equipment purchase plans and relocation logistics.

Parties involved include representatives from both companies, county economic development groups, the Delta Regional Authority, local elected officials and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. A memorandum of understanding was signed recently, detailing the plan.

Sen. Stan Humphries, of Cadiz, who represents both Fulton and Mayfield, said the investments and jobs will fortify each community and the entire region.

“As a result of these investments by MVP Group and Kayser, we’ll not only see more direct economic activity, but ripple-effect jobs and spending, too,” Sen. Humphries said. “So many individuals and organizations collaborated to make this expansion and relocation a reality. They deserve thanks and recognition for their commitment to preserving and creating new jobs while simultaneously strengthening Western Kentucky’s business community.”

Rep. Steven Rudy, of Paducah, represents Fulton. He welcomed the investments in Western Kentucky.

“These two companies recommitting to their Western Kentucky communities and employees – as well as bringing new business activity to the region – is an example of economic development done in true Kentucky style,” Rep. Rudy said. “In this scenario, everyone stands to gain, including the employees, companies and communities.”

Rep. Richard Heath, of Mayfield, welcomed the MVP Group jobs to Graves County and additional activity for the region.

“It’s a good day any time you can bring together a plan that benefits key industries, local communities and so many area residents,” Rep. Heath said. “With this announcement both Graves County and our neighbors in Fulton County will see jobs added in the new year as well as the promise of additional economic activity. I applaud everyone involved for making these reinvestments possible.”

To encourage investment and job growth in the region, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in July 2013 preliminarily approved Kayser for tax incentives up to $3 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. and up to $40,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. It is anticipated the company’s incentive agreement will be modified at the time of final approval to reflect the additional investment and job growth.

Both MVP Group and Kayser can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal 2016, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors.

For more information on Kayser, visit www.kayser-automotive.com/en/. To learn more about MVP Group, go to www.mvpgroupint.com.

Detailed community profiles for Fulton and Graves counties can be viewed athttp://bit.ly/FultonCoKy and http://bit.ly/GravesCo.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at [abe/bulletins/738487/www.ThinkKentucky.com]www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.

Friday’s Banana Festival Schedule

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  • Friday, Sept. 16, 2016:
    • 7:30-8:45 a.m. Banana Bake-off entry drop (Judging at 9:00 a.m.) Senior Citizens Center
    • 8:00-10:00 a.m. – Health Fair – Fulton First Baptist Church Sponsored by Fulton County Extension Office and Diversacare
    • 4:00p.m.-10:00 p.m. Bump & Jumps/Kiddie Carnival ($1 ticketts)
    • 7:00p.m. Banana Bowl (Fulton So. /Fulton Game) – Fulton City
    • 8:00p.m. – 2015 Fulton’s Got Talent Winner Brenna Wilkins performs
    • 8:30 p.m. Lew Jetton 61 South, Amphitheater Unity Park –After Party

Tonight’s Banana Festival Events

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  • Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016:
    • 9:00 a.m. – Vendors, Downtown
    • 9:00 a.m. – Senior Citizens Rook Tournament, Senior Citizens Center
    • 5:00-10:00 p.m. – Bump & Jumps/Kiddie Carnival, Pontotoc Park ($1 tickets)
    • 6:00 p.m. – Kiddie Parade, Downtown
    • 7:00 p.m.-Fulton’s Got Talent

Kick Off The Banana Festival Wednesday Night

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  • Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016:
    • 5:00- P.M. – Tyson Community Meal – Unity Park
    • 5:00 p.m.-Kiddie Carnival ($1 tickets)
    • 5:30-7:00 p.m. Chalk Art, Unity Park Walking Trail
    • 6:00 p.m.- Faith & Family Performing Artist Jason Crabb, Sponsored by Area Church’s, Amphitheater Unity Park

Banana Festival Schedule

Movies In The Park “The Wizard of OZ”

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Saturday September 10, 2016 at 07:30 PM the final Summer Movies in the Park showing of “The Wizard of OZ” will be in Unity Park.  Load up your chairs, blankets, drink and snacks and bring the family to see this classic movie.  Twin City Men’s Organization will be selling snacks to raise money.

2016 Banana Festival Schedule

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2016 BANANA FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9-17th

  • Friday, Sept. 9, 2016:
  • Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016:
    • 8:00 a.m. – Pistol and Turkey Shoot – Fulton PD Range Parks Rd. Fulton
    • 10am – 2pm – Drop off Pictures Pontotoc Building ($)
    • 2-4pm – Princess Ball Pontotoc Building ($15)
    • 4-8 Super Magical Day (12 and Under) – Celebrating Hometown, Biblical, and Super Heros, Unity & Pontotoc Park
    • 5:00 p.m. – Costume Contest, Pontotoc Stage
    • 4:00 & 5:30 Animal Tales – Pontotoc Stage
    • 6:00 Superhero Power Wheel Derby Pontotoc Park ($5)
    • 7:30- Super Magical Movie in the Park – Amphiltheater Unity Park
  • Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016:
  • Monday, Sept. 12, 2016:
    • 11:00 a.m. Judge Photography (View, Monday 12th- Friday 16th from 1-5 p.m.)
    • 1:00 p.m. Light Pole Competition Judging, Downtown ($25)
    • 6:30 p.m. – Fashion Show, – Bucks Celebration Center ($20)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016:
    • School Art Contest at Fulton City and South Fulton Schools, Sponsored by Fulton Family Connection
  • Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016:
    • 5:00- P.M. – Tyson Community Meal – Unity Park
    • 5:00 p.m.-Kiddie Carnival ($1 tickets)
    • 5:30-7:00 p.m. Chalk Art, Unity Park Walking Trail
    • 6:00 p.m.- Faith & Family Performing Artist Jason Crabb, Sponsored by Area Church’s, Amphitheater Unity Park
  • Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016:
    • 9:00 a.m. – Vendors, Downtown
    • 9:00 a.m. – Senior Citizens Rook Tournament, Senior Citizens Center
    • 5:00-10:00 p.m. – Bump & Jumps/Kiddie Carnival, Pontotoc Park ($1 tickets)
    • 6:00 p.m. – Kiddie Parade, Downtown
    • 7:00 p.m.-Fulton’s Got Talent

      • (Announce Kiddie Parade Winner)

  • Friday, Sept. 16, 2016:
    • 7:30-8:45 a.m. Banana Bake-off entry drop (Judging at 9:00 a.m.) Senior Citizens Center
    • 8:00-10:00 a.m. – Health Fair – Fulton First Baptist Church Sponsored by Fulton County Extension Office and Diversacare
    • 4:00p.m.-10:00 p.m. Bump & Jumps/Kiddie Carnival ($1 ticketts)
    • 7:00p.m. Banana Bowl (Fulton So. /Fulton Game) – Fulton City
    • 8:00p.m. – 2015 Fulton’s Got Talent Winner Brenna Wilkins performs
    • 8:30 p.m. Lew Jetton 61 South, Amphitheater Unity Park –After Party
  • Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016:
    • 8:00-11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club Car Show, (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)., Downtown ($20-$25)
    • 8:00 a.m. – 5-K/Fun Run “Will Run for Pudding,” (Registration begins at 7 a.m. Fun Run begins at 9 a.m.), at Raise the Bar Gym ($20early/$25late/$10fun run)
    • 9:00 a.m. – Vendors, Downtown
    • 10:00 a.m.- Banana Brawl, next to the Senior Citizens Building
    • 12:00 & 2:00 p.m.- Jason Lindsey Science Guy, Pontotoc Stage
    • 1:00 p.m. – Greased Pig Contest, across the street from Keg/behind Fulton post office.
    • 1:00 pm Carolina Express Band Amphitheater Unity Park
    • 2:30 Doggy Beauty Pageant-Pontotoc Stage
    • 5:00 p.m. – Grand Parade, Starting on Broadway So. Fulton to Downtown Lake St.
    • 6:30 p.m.- 2016 Fulton’s Got Talent Winner to perform, Unity Park Amphitheater

      • One Ton Banana Pudding, served in front of Senior Center **Don’t forget your souvenir buckets located in the Banana Cabana to take home some pudding or to share with others! ****

    • 7:00 p.m. – Brandon Holland performs, Unity Park Amphitheater (Photo, light pole, Art Contest, Chalk Art winners announced)
    • 8:00 p.m. – David Lee Murphy – Amphitheater Unity Park **FREE**

      • Events are FREE to the public unless fee is noted on Schedule. All events are sponsored by Fulton Tourism Commission and noted local businesses.

    • Banana Cabana located in the heart of the festival – Pontotoc Park Gazebo Open Wed – Sat Bathrooms located on each end of vendor row.

 

Banana Festival “The Tradition Rolls On”

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The Banana Festival is in town September 9-17, 2016.  Here is the website for more info Banana Festival Website.

Why Bananas in Kentucky and Tennessee?

Upon hearing that the twin cities are hosting a Banana Festival many reply with, “Why Bananas?” While it is true our weather is not conducive to growing bananas, the twin cities have had a great impact on bananas in the United States.

In about 1880 the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad was the first to develop refrigerated cars. Suddenly those not living in tropical regions could have the same fruits year round that others enjoyed. Fulton, at the time, was home to a large railroad facility and became the redistribution point for the railroad because of its central location between New Orleans and Canada. The United Fruit Co, now Chiquita, began shipping bananas from South America by ship to New Orleans. The bananas were loaded onto railcars on top of 162 pound blocks of ice for the trip north. Fulton had the only ice house on the route north to Chicago. The bananas were re-iced with blocks from the Fulton Ice Plant, now closed. Empty railcars were pulled up to the side of the ice house and these large blocks of ice were loaded end up covering the entire box car. The bananas were then laid on top of the ice to continue their journey. At one point, over 70% of the bananas that were consumed in the US passed through Fulton. Fulton became known as “The Banana Capital of the World.”

So now that the concept of Bananas in Fulton, Kentucky makes sense why all the fuss? Well we owe that in part to Carolyn Allen Dunavant. When Carolyn was an 8th grade student at Carr Elementary School, she wrote a letter to Chet Huntly, a news anchor for NBC, inviting him to the International Banana Festival. Chet took her up on her offer and sent national news cameras to cover the small town festival. Carolyn was honored as a Top Banana that year and invited to a luncheon with Miss America, Donna Exum.

The International Banana Festival has had many changes over the years. In the early years “Amigos”, who ranged in age from 16-20, from South America would come about two weeks before the festival to stay with local families. They would attend parties, churches, schools, and socialize with local teenagers. This provided both groups with a wonderful experience that no textbook could match.

Several distinguished visitors have made appearances at the festival including Miss America, Miss Kentucky, Miss Tennessee, Miss Dairy Princess, officials from the United States State Department, congressmen, senators, and governors. Latin American guests have come from Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Peru, Columbia, Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico, Argentina, and Venezuela.

The highlight of the festival has always been the 1-ton Banana Pudding, deemed the world largest. After traveling in the parade the pudding is then distributed to hungry festival attendees. We hope you join us as we are “Pudding Back Tradition” to the Banana Festival. We are bringing back several events and adding new ones. We hope you find something for the whole family and help make the festival the highlight of the year in the twin cities!

Credit http://www.thebananafestival.com/index.html