Governor Ernie Fletcher, Mayor Bill Paxton and
McCracken County Judge Executive Danny Orazine will join Ingram Barge
Company executives and associates as they "break ground" for
construction of Ingram's new Paducah Landing office and warehouse
facilities.
The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the
building site, located at 900 South Third Street.
Ingram officials today noted that the project is a significant
additional investment of resources in the City of Paducah and McCracken
County. Ingram has maintained a major portion of its inland marine
support operations in Paducah since 1984.
"The City of Paducah is pleased by Ingram's announcement of the
construction of a new Ingram barge company operating headquarters in
downtown Paducah," Mayor Paxton said today. "This announcement enhances
Paducah's reputation as the hub of the inland waterways. Paducah will
benefit from having a company of Ingram's stature expand its operations
in Paducah."
The new facilities will include offices, warehousing, and
parking in a complex that will become the new home for Ingram Barge
operations in the Paducah area.
Work on the new warehouse facility has already begun, involving a
careful renovation of a century-old brick office building. This location
will house activities supporting Ingram's Custom Fuel Service
operations, barge maintenance, information technology, purchasing and
warehouse functions.
Additionally, construction will begin soon on a new two-story
office building to house the company's operations, human resources, crew
dispatch, and other support functions.
Overall, more than 60 Ingram associates will be located at the
new Paducah Landing facility. The project will provide an estimated 700
parking spaces. Ingram employs approximately 700 associates in the
Paducah area.
Ingram Barge Company President & CEO Craig Philip explained that
the new location will provide a much more productive and
pleasant
working environment for Ingram's associates.
"Our associates have very important responsibilities for vessel
operations, customer service and safety, and this new base of operations
should contribute greatly to getting these vital jobs done for our
customers and crews," Mr. Philip said. "Everybody is excited about this
move."
Orrin Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Barge Company, commended the
governmental and other economic development leaders who have encouraged
the company to sustain its business operations in Paducah.
"Paducah is a critical location for our inland marine business,"
Mr. Ingram said. "We enjoy doing business here. For many years now, we
have received strong support and encouragement from the City and County,
as well as the entire community, and have deeply appreciated the strong
work ethic of Kentucky."