FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated local officials and representatives from American Welding & Gas (AWG), a manufacturer and distributor of industrial, medical, specialty and beverage gases, for cutting the ribbon on the company’s new $9.6 million, state-of-the-art fill plant in Georgetown, which is creating 10 full-time jobs in the region.

“Kentucky companies are continuously reinvesting in our communities and our workforce,” Beshear said. “Our historic economic momentum wouldn’t be possible without companies like American Welding & Gas buying into Kentucky and what we have to offer. I am happy to welcome this exciting next step for AWG and look forward to its continued success here in Georgetown.”

AWG’s new Georgetown plant is a 20,000-square-foot facility located adjacent to its existing store and warehouse location. Producing industrial and medical gases used by AWG customers in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia, the new plant uses technology that will enable AWG to more safely and efficiently produce and package compressed and cryogenic gases. When fully operational, approximately 45 AWG employees will be based at this facility.

“We are proud of the team that built this facility,” AWG CEO Jason Krieger said. “We are especially thankful for the incentive package received from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the assistance from our general contractor, Gray Ohio Valley, and our gas equipment manufacturer, Cryogenic Technology Resources. AWG, Gray and CTR are completing this project on schedule and on budget.”

American Welding & Gas, a family-owned company, is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. AWG traces its history to Valley Welders Supply in Billings, Montana, and Scott-Gross Company in Lexington – both of which began in 1949. The company manufactures and distributes industrial, medical, specialty and beverage gases and associated welding and safety supplies. AWG operates over 100 retail locations and 22 gas fill plants located in 22 states, stretching from Montana to Pennsylvania and down through Texas and Florida. AWG has over 800 employees who serve their customers in over 30 states and Canada.

Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington wished AWG success: “American Welding & Gas’s investment in Scott County for their new fill plant will be the perfect complement to their current warehouse and store. Great companies like AWG have helped provide services and opportunities to Georgetown and Scott County, and I am thankful for their commitment and confidence in our community. We wish AWG much success in the future.”

Jack Conner, executive director of Scott County United Inc., congratulated the company on the expansion: “AWG is another prime example of a Scott County business choosing to maintain their position in our community and make an additional financial investment to expand. This fits perfectly with our local Economic Development Strategic Plan – maintain and expand. Congratulations to American Welding & Gas.”