HOPKINS COUNTY, KY – Mayor Will Cox and Don Norton, manager, Electro Cycle Inc (ECI), jointly announced today a $2 million dollar expansion of the Electro Cycle plant in Madisonville.

This expansion marks the first major plant enhancement to the plant since it began operation here in 1989.

The expansion involves the addition of a second furnace to improve operating efficiency, the replacement of the existing kiln with a larger, more efficient unit, an upgrade of plant controls to state of the art electronics, modifications to the gas handling system, and upgrades of material handling conveyors and the shredding complex to increase capacity and operation.

In making the announcement, following the MHCEDC Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon, Mayor Cox and Plant Manager Norton each emphasized that this expansion is viewed as not only a capital investment in the plant and community, but a renewed commitment by Electro Cycle to operate a successful business in Hopkins County. At a time when cities across the country are aggressively pursuing new manufacturing facilities and making significant inducements to attract companies, Electro Cycle was faced with a decision to stay in Madisonville or relocate to another city. With the due diligence required of business management today, all options and many communities were considered. Norton praised the city for working aggressively to help solve problems and address plant needs making the decision to stay in Madisonville the right one. He cited the Mayor’s positive attitude and tenacity in the process.

Mayor Cox praised the management and ownership of Electro Cycle for choosing to stay and expand in Madisonville. He stated that the decision making process has been going on for just over one year. According to Cox, the bottom line is that Electro Cycle will invest $2 Million in new equipment, add a few jobs, but most importantly, 40 good jobs and a good employer will be kept in Madisonville. As the Mayor emphasized, this is a retention project and the result is very positive for Madisonville and Hopkins County. He also thanked city staff and MHCEDC staff for their work on the project.