MORGANTOWN, Ky. — Stratus Plastics International plans to create 40 jobs while expanding production at its Morgantown facility, with the potential for 135 new positions over the coming years. Stratus is a producer of injection-molded parts for motor vehicles, appliances, and consumer goods.

“We are continuing to build a better Kentucky and a stronger economy for our families, and Stratus Plastics’ growth in Butler County is a prime example of that,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The significant increase in planned jobs since the company first announced this project demonstrates Kentucky’s strong support for manufacturers and our ability to help companies grow quickly. I appreciate the commitment of Stratus leaders to providing quality opportunities for Kentuckians.”

The jobs expected to be created at the facility increased fivefold since August 2017, when Stratus announced it would locate a new manufacturing plant in Morgantown. Company leaders are in the process of hiring 40 employees to meet heightened demand after a major motor vehicle manufacturer gave the company additional production lines.

Stratus's 165,000-square-foot facility with molding and warehousing capabilities is the company's first operation in Kentucky. Currently, the Canadian-owned company employs 45 workers at the Morgantown location. 

“Stratus Plastics is proud to be part of the Morgantown community,” said Dave Kondracki, Stratus Plastics Kentucky plant manager. “We strive to develop not only our plastic products in a variety of manufacturing applications, but also the people we employ in our community and connections throughout the state.” 

Based in Windsor, Ontario, Stratus supports multiple tier-one automotive suppliers and non-automotive customers as well. In Windsor, the company employs more than 30 people.

Stratus is one of more than 520 automotive-related facilities operating statewide, a field that employs over 110,000 Kentuckians full time. 

Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps welcomed Stratus.

“We are proud of the work being done at Stratus Plastics and are looking forward to their continued growth in Morgantown,” Phelps said. “Expansions like these are critical for the economic growth and sustainability of our community.” 

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), in a September meeting, approved a 15-year incentive agreement with Stratus under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The agreement can provide up to $2.235 million in tax incentives based on the company's investment, wage, and job-creation targets.

The company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates by meeting the annual targets. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

Stratus can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network which allows companies to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training, and job training incentives.