Olivia P. Tucker
Times Reporter
Conco, a supplier of ammunition containers for the United States Armed Forces, has announced a $71 million expansion which will result in 175 additional jobs at their Weir Road plant, the former Tokusen USA facility, in Scottsburg.
The company will add 150,000 square foot addition to their plant as an additional manufacturing and storage at a cost of $11 million. Manufacturing equipment of metal forming, laser welders, finishing equipment and IT equipment will mean a $60,015,000 investment by the company.
Conco President and CEO Karen Pascal made the announcement at the Oct. 28 Scottsburg City Council meeting.
She said that 175 more employees would be added when the building is completed in 2026.
John Launius, Vice President, Director of Economic Development of One Southern Indiana said that Conco has already invested $55 million in renovating the formerly vacant manufacturing plant and currently has 175 employees. He said the expansion would ultimately double their number of employees to 350. The starting pay will be $28 an hour, being the highest-paying job in Scott County, he added.
Company officials requested a 10-year abatement on the building addition and a five-year abatement on equipment. The city council unanimously approved the abatement requests.
City Attorney Josh Stigdon said there would be a public hearing scheduled for the Nov. 25 council meeting to allow public comment on the tax abatement.
“The expansion of Conco into Scottsburg represents a major milestone for our community,” said Scottsburg Mayor Terry Amick, “Their combined $125 million in capital investment and 350 local jobs will have a transformative impact on our local economy. We’re eager as a city to support Conco and to see the positive effect their presence will bring to our growing community.”