BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Feb. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that Alpla, Inc., an Austrian-based plastic packaging company, plans to establish manufacturing operations in Bowling Green, Kentucky, creating 72 new, full-time jobs and investing more $22.4 million in the Commonwealth.

"We are pleased to be expanding our manufacturing operations in Kentucky. We appreciate the support from the community and the dedicated employees from KEDFA in making this expansion possible." – Jodok Schaeffler, - President, Alpla, North America. Alpla products include packaging for everyday items such as beverages, motor oils, cleaning supplies and more. Alpla products are so highly used that nearly every person encounters at least one Alpla product per day.

Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Brad Howard said, "We're thrilled that Alpla has decided locate to Bowling Green. The Chamber looks forward to working closely with Alpla to ensure its success. I'd also thank the City, County and State of Kentucky for partnering with the Chamber on this wonderful addition. Their work is invaluable in supporting our community's business-friendly atmosphere."

"South Central Kentucky's record growth can be attributed to innovative companies, like Alpla, locating here," said ITA Board Chairman Gary Dillard. "Alpla understands that South Central Kentucky's infrastructure is second to none with a seamless network of highways, interstates, close access to two major shipping hubs, proximity to water ports and our Transpark is one of only five CSX Select Sites in the Nation. Our transportation network helps move products to the market quickly and that impacts their bottom line."

"South Central Kentucky's cluster of plastic-related industries continues with Alpla's announcement today. Their decision shows that globally competitive industries know our region is the best place to produce the highest quality products anywhere," said Chairman of BGAEDA Board D. Gaines Penn.

This project is proof of the collaborative spirit found here in South Central Kentucky and the Commonwealth. Many agencies and organizations came together to provide an attractive incentive package, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the County of Warren, the City of Bowling Green Job Development Authority, TVA and Warren Rural Electric, as well as the Bowling Green Technical College, Atmos Energy, local legislators and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, giving Alpla the competitive advantage they needed to make this project a reality.

Alpla will locate its new operations in Building IV at the Kentucky Transpark. The building, built by the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority (BGAEDA) speculatively, was on the market for less than one year since its completion. The BGAEDA is a private organization that supports economic development projects and infrastructure in Bowling Green-Warren County, frequently partnering with the City of Bowling Green, the County of Warren, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Intermodal Transportation Authority. This is the fourth spec building project in the Kentucky Transpark for the BGAEDA, and all projects have resulted in successful building sales. The BGAEDA has already entered the planning stages for a spec Building V.

"This announcement is one more example of the attractiveness of our region for new companies," said Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. "Alpla is demonstrating its confidence in our community by locating here, and we are eager to help the company grow here."

"It's another great day for South Central Kentucky when we can announce a new company joining our community. As an addition to the Kentucky Transpark, Alpla is demonstrating its commitment to economic success in the region, and we congratulate them on their decision," said Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon.

Alpla is the first attraction announcement in South Central Kentucky for 2013. On January 30, 2013 GM announced an expansion with an investment of $3.5 million and approximately 20 jobs. Alpla joins other global leaders such as Davert USA, Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products, Holley Performance Products and Kiriu USA who all made significant investments in South Central Kentucky during the last year. In 2012, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce announced projects totaling 537 jobs to be created and retained with over $45.6 million in capital investment.

About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,100 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.

About Alpla, (Alpla-Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG):

Alpla is a plastic packaging manufacturer based in Hard, Austria, which specializes in extruded blow-molded bottles, PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate)-Preforms, PET bottles and caps. It is the largest producer of packaging in Europe, with 70 plants on the continent. Alpla's 148 manufacturing plants, located in 39 countries, supply products for industries that include: household goods, personal care, food and beverage, cosmetics, household cleaning and laundry, and oils and lubricants. For more information, visit, www.alpla.com

Contact:
Nick Fuhrman, Communications & Public Policy Director
270-781-3200; nick@bgchamber.com

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