Nixon visits Nordenia USA, lauds job expansion

JACKSON, MO (KRCU) - Nordenia USA will expand its current plant on Highway 177, as well as build a new manufacturing facility at the Jackson Industrial Park.

Nordenia will hire 50 new employers over three years.

Governor Jay Nixon was at Nordenia on Thursday to make the announcement. He counted the reasons why Nordenia has grown in a competitive environment.

"First of all, our transportation network, here on highway 55, our products can be moved in and out very quickly. Number two is our good business environment. By getting rid of the Franchise Tax it’s lowered the stress, financial stress, the double-taxation there. And I think by the coordinated effort of our state, our city and our county folks working together makes a difference. And finally, the workforce is strong. I mean, Missourians show up early and they stay late," Nixon said.

Nordenia began manufacturing packaging materials 21 years ago with 5 employees. That number has grown to over 400 today.

The expansion will result in $2 million in capital investment.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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Nordenia to open plant in Jackson

JACKSON, MO (KRCU) - A new Nordenia plant will be the first tenant at the Jackson Industrial Park.

The 180 thousand square foot facility will be about half warehouse and half production space.

Developing the plot will cost $22 million.

Nordenia president and CEO Bill Burke says that the new machinery at the plant will cost approximately $7 million.

“We also may be making some investment at our existing site down on 177. Depending on our business plans, it could be 2 to 5 to 10 million more dollars over the next three to four years,” Burke said.

The new plant will produce finished bags that are printed at the plant on Highway 177.

Burke told Cape Girardeau County Commissioners Thursday that the plant will create a minimum of 50 new jobs. He said it is possible that the new plant could generate 80 or 90 jobs.

The Cape Girardeau County Commission approved an incentives package Thursday. Nordenia will pay half of personal property and real estate taxes during their first 10 years of operations at the Jackson Industrial Park, according to County Commissioner Paul Koeper.

“If they didn’t build here and they didn’t invest in this community like this, then we would be getting zero taxes, if that makes sense. But the fact that they are doing this, we’re giving them a little bit of a refund, a rebate. Only pay half of them, we’ll help you get through, get through the motions. And then at the end of the 10 years, you’re back on 100 percent,” Koeper said.

Nordendia currently employs 400 workers at their plant on Highway 177.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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