Ingram to Break Ground on New Paducah Facility

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."