Lantech packaging equipment maker expanding in Jeffersontown, Ky.

JEFFERSON, Ky. — Lantech will celebrate the opening of its new carton and case handling equipment manufacturing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 6 at the new 11100 Decimal Drive factory in Jeffersontown.

The new factory addd 15,000 s.f. to Lantech's operations and 12 new job openings. That number is expected to grow as the factory expands to manufacture more complex case handling equipment in 2024. Lantech will make certain portions in its parts manufacturing facility, with the goal to purchase the majority of the remaining components from local Louisville vendors and other U.S.-based companies such as Alro Plastics, Reco LLC and Monarch Automation.

"When the final assembly of an OEM type product like this arrives in Kentucky, the impact is far greater than the assembly jobs," said Jim Lancaster, CEO of Lantech. "The supply chain impact is exponential because it involves distributors, transportation companies, manufacturing of parts and the providing of service. Kentucky – through Lantech – is already the unrivaled global leader in innovation and production of Stretch Wrapping Equipment. This step by Lantech puts us on the same road for Case Handling Equipment, and in the future, other automatic packaging and material handling equipment."

Lantech is committed to growing its business in Kentucky, a company news release states. It currently employs over 500 people at the Louisville headquarters, and an additional 200-plus are employed internationally.

"Lantech is considered a significant employer in our Jeffersontown community," said Deana Karem, president/CEO of the Jeffersontown Chamber. "This expansion complements an iconic brand that is known throughout greater Louisville, and brings increased innovation to our Bluegrass business park."

Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike and members of the Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce will attend the Tuesday ceremonies.

Lantech equipment is found worldwide, with its stretch wrapping equipment manufactured in Louisville, Ky., and its case and tray handling equipment manufactured in the Netherlands. While global in scope, at its heart Lantech remains a Louisville-based, family owned and operated business, grounded in family values.

After starting the Lantech company in Jeffersontown, Pat Lancaster invented the stretch wrapper with his brother Bill in 1972. In 1995, Pat's son, Jim Lancaster, took over as CEO, which allowed Pat to spend his time in the product research and development department.