New jobs coming to area

By Charles Romans

Carter County Times

When the Pregis Company on Harris Road closed in 2022, the City of Wurtland lost 80 good paying jobs for area residents. The company had been in business since 1995 at that location, but became unable to secure the supply of one key ingredient in their manufacturing process – perhaps a more recent victim of the shipping disasters that have plagued the country since the onset of the pandemic. But after sitting idle for two years, it was recently announced that the location would soon be home to a new business.

Wurtland Oil Works, LLC, will establish its operations on Harris Road in the Greenup County community. The new company is a manufacturer of industrial lubricants with applications across a broad range of industries such as individual transport, maritime operations, and rail transport. According to Greenup County judge executive Bobby Hall, this represents a 25-million-dollar investment that is expected to create 75 new jobs for the area.

“This $25 million investment in our community is a significant commitment,” Hall said. “The creation of 75 new jobs will have a profound impact on our residents. The new jobs will provide much-needed income and stability for our families, while also stimulating our local economy with increased consumer spending.” 

“This signifies confidence in our community and work force,” Hall continued. “We remain committed to working closely with the project developers to ensure a smooth implementation process.”

Judge executive Hall also commended the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the Kentucky Power Economic Development Team and commissioners Derrick Bradley, Lee Wireman and Earnie Duty for their significant role in the investment. 

“We are thankful for their assistance in bringing this project to Greenup County,” Hall said.

Wurtland Oil Works LLC general counsel Gene Meltser was quoted as saying the availability of an eager and reliable work force was a key factor in the decision to set up shop in Greenup County.

“The main idea behind locating the company there is the fact that we heard a lot of professional folk were out of jobs, and we looked at the plant that we can convert to our needs,” Meltser said, explaining that the facility fit both their transportation and production needs. “It fit our requirements with rail coming in, size and everything. It seems like an awesome place to run the business.”

Meltser said the company is waiting on one letter from the Kentucky EPA and then, “we are ready to hit the ground running.” 

The timeline is expected to be months rather than years before the former Pregis site will once again be a productive business in the area.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com