Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) helped celebrate Endicott Clay Products Company’s (Endicott Clay) recent expansion. Company executives also looked at other properties in Kansas and Nebraska before making the decision to expand at their current location. Endicott Clay was started near Endicott, Nebraska in 1920.
“We are excited to add to our ability to manufacture innovative and beautiful clay building products for the architectural community,” said Endicott Clay President & CEO Ryan Parker. “Quality has been a hallmark of our company for decades and we expect our recent expansion will contribute to this effort for decades to come. My thanks to the Governor and DED for their leadership and support to help make this project a reality.”
Endicott Clay produces high quality brick, thin brick, and pavers typically used in architectural projects. Major projects include the new Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park Stadium, Atlanta, GA; Yale Health Center, New Haven, CT; Hunters Point Campus, Queens, NY; Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, GA; TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN; and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. The company is known best for Ironspot clay products that come to life in the sunlight. The product receives worldwide recognition.
“Endicott Clay’s business investment in Jefferson County will strengthen the company’s commitment to continue to provide jobs that allow families to enjoy our great quality of life in rural Nebraska,” said Governor Ricketts. “They are a leader in manufacturing clay products and we look forward to watching them innovate and continue to grow.”
The $30 million expansion project includes a building, manufacturing equipment, and equipment upgrades. The company plans to hire 30 new full time jobs. With the increase in employment, Endicott Clay will employ 325 people. They are the largest employer in Jefferson County. DED awarded $500,000 in Site and Building Development Funds and $56,000 in Customized Job Training Funds to assist with this project.
“Companies like Endicott Clay are outstanding examples of rural economic development,” said DED Director Courtney Dentlinger. “Their continued growth and investment in Jefferson County demonstrates confidence in Nebraska’s workforce and the Governor’s commitment to strengthening an excellent business environment.”
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Site and Building Development Fund is a tool that can help with competitive attraction and expansion projects. The Customized Job Training program provides employee training assistance to Nebraska companies that are working to create or retain jobs for Nebraska citizens.
The Governor’s visit was also part of his weeklong tour across the state celebrating Nebraska’s win of Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup. The Governor’s Cup was awarded to the state with the most qualifying new and expanded facilities per capita in the nation. Endicott Clay’s expansion was one of the projects that contributed to Nebraska being the recipient of this prestigious award.