LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Millions of dollars in federal funding will boost production and bring hundreds of new jobs to a Shelbyville recycling company.
Wieland Copper Recycling received more than $200 million to expand its U.S. recycling capacity and capabilities. That will create more than 200 new jobs and also benefit the state’s two HBCUs.
"So, Wieland applied for and was selected to enter negotiations for a dollar for dollar grant for the Department of Energy," Wieland Recycling President Matt Bedingfield said.
Friday afternoon, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk were in Shelbyville for the big announcement.
"The cleanest, greenest, most technologically advanced copper recycling facility in the country," Beshear said.
"This is a big big deal," said Turk.
Surrounded by city and state officials and employees, Beshear and Turk helped announce the expansion of Wieland's U.S. recycling with a significant investment into advanced state-of-the-art copper scrap metal processing technology.
"Our goal is to be able to meet the country's needs, with the workforce that we believe is the best in the country and that means we work with everyone," Beshear said.
The project is expected to create more than 200 new jobs and more down the road.
"Our goal is to create as many good Kentucky jobs as possible and secure as many of these big federal grants as we can," Beshear said.
There is even a perk that includes internships for the state's two HBCUs — Kentucky State and historic Simmons College of Kentucky.
"And what is important about that is it makes sure that these opportunities reach everyone," Beshear said.
The $270 million investment is just the first of a $6 billion program.
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