Gov. Beshear announces major expansion by ZF Steering Systems will create hundreds of jobs

Company to invest $95.8 million, expand manufacturing footprint

Governor Steve Beshear announced that ZF Steering Systems LLC will undergo a major expansion in Northern Kentucky, investing $95.8 million over the next three years. The growth is a result of increased demand for the company's new and existing products and involves constructing two new buildings and creating 374 new full-time jobs over the next three years at its facility in Florence, Ky.

"Kentucky is proud to be the home of world-class companies such as ZF Steering Systems and strives to partner with its existing industries to create new economic development opportunities," said Gov. Beshear. "ZF Steering Systems' $95.8 million investment is a tremendous boost to the Commonwealth. We look forward to working with ZF Steering Systems as it grows and prospers in Northern Kentucky."

ZF Steering Systems is a subsidiary of Germany-based ZF Lenksysteme GmbH and has been located in Kentucky since 1994. The company manufactures steering components for passenger cars and SUVs, and is adding capacity to meet demand for its new electric steering gear. Construction of two new buildings totaling 175,000 additional square feet will begin in November and is expected to be completed by summer 2011.

"This important investment will allow us to meet the increasing demand for our premium steering components and expand our manufacturing footprint in Northern Kentucky," said Pierre Abboud, president & CEO of ZF Steering Systems LLC. "The area's skilled workforce and competitive business environment were among the reasons we chose to locate here, and we look forward to continued growth in the region."

An incentive package was preliminarily approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) to encourage the almost $100 million investment in Kentucky. ZF Steering was approved for up to $7.5 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive can be earned over a 10-year period through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments.

"ZF Steering Systems is adding a significant amount of new jobs in addition to their substantial number of existing employees," said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen. "This economic development project serves as an example of how companies can prosper and grow in Northern Kentucky. Good things can happen by cooperatively working together."

"We thank ZF Steering Systems for showing faith to reinvest in our community," said Gary Moore, Boone County Judge Executive. "Additionally, we are grateful to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Board and their administrative staff for helping make this project a reality."

"This is wonderful news for Boone County," said Sen. John Schickel, of Union. "This expansion will give the people of Northern Kentucky access to new job opportunities, which can lead to further economic development and a better quality of life for local families."

"ZF Steering has been an important partner with Northern Kentucky communities since 1994," said Rep. Sal Santoro, of Florence. "This expansion announcement for their Boone County facility will provide an important and much needed economic boost in job creation and capital investment, both of which will greatly benefit our citizens and our county."

A detailed community profile for Northern Kentucky can be viewed here. Information on Kentucky's economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.