MT. STERLING, KY — Kentucky traditions combined with an ancient Japanese ceremony gave a decidedly international flair to the grand opening of Japan-based Kyosan Denso Manufacturing Kentucky, LLC (KDMK).
In addition to speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the manufacturing facility, guests were treated to a Japanese sake-barrel breaking ceremony — called kagami wari — which signifies the beginning of a new business venture. Japanese people believe that the splashing forth of the sake, a rice wine, from the barrel brings good luck and blessings to all in the community. During lunch, Don Rigsby and the Midnight Call entertained guests with authentic Kentucky bluegrass music. Rigsby is director of the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music.
Guests attending the grand opening celebration, in addition to Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher, included Consulate General of Japan Masamichi Ishikawa, KYOSAN DENKI President and CEO Masami Manabe and DENSO International America President and CEO Matt Matsushita.
“We are off to a strong start,” said KDMK President Katsumi Urano. “A start-up requires extra energy and hard work and our employees have certainly come through for us. That’s the primary reason we’ve been able to expand so soon after forming the company. We especially thank the State of Kentucky and the City of Mt. Sterling for their excellent support and welcome to the community that has made our initial success possible.”
When the new company was announced last year, it was expected to employ 230 people by 2008. KDMK currently employs 150 people, and expects further expansion to achieve its plan.
Montgomery County Judge-Executive B.D. Wilson said, “We in Montgomery County are so proud to have KDMK as a part of our corporate community. We want to continue to have a mutually beneficial relationship and help them grow and prosper here and continue to employ our citizens. They are known as a wonderful employer by the employees they now have. So if you are looking for employment you would be lucky to be hired by KDMK.”
For more information, go to: www.densocorp-na.com.
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