A research and development laboratory is being relocated from Lexington, Massachusetts to Franklin, Kentucky in order to better serve the local facility. The lab will have two primary functions: analytical testing and a pilot lab. The analytical testing will be used in product development and in quality assurance. The pilot lab will provide a small scale production line that will allow new products to be developed and tested. When fully operational the new R&D lab will employ at least five scientists and technicians. (click on photo for larger view)

“We are thrilled to have this additional capability at our Franklin facility” stated Plant Manager John Baker. “This positions the plant well in terms of our ability to develop new innovative products that meet the diverse needs of the markets we serve.”

“This is more great economic news for Franklin and Simpson County” said Gary Broady, Chairman of the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority Board. “The jobs associated with the lab are high tech and will pay excellent salaries. We are fortunate that the Berry plant in Franklin is getting this expansion and we appreciate the involvement of the local management as well as Berry’s corporate officials that helped direct this investment to our community.”

As part of the project, the Quality Assurance labs in the plant will be consolidated into the new 12,000 square foot R&D facility. Over $200,000 will be spent on renovations to the plant to help accommodate the new lab. The result will be one of the most advanced, comprehensive and well equipped lab facilities in the industry.

For more information please contact Dennis Griffin at 270-586-4477 or by email at fsindustry@bellsouth.net.