The governor's office in the State Capitol building was the backdrop for the announcement of an industrial development expansion in Troy.

About 150 new jobs will be created with the expansion of KW Plastics in Troy.

The $20 million capital investment will place back in service the former Ansell building, a 100,000 square-foot facility, for the production of plastic containers for the architectural paint and coatings industry.

The KW Can is essentially a plastic paint can that utilizes 100 percent recycled polypropylene, which is also manufactured by KW Plastics. It features a unique "snap-tight lid."

KW's mulitmillion dollar investment represents a bright future for Pike County, its workers and its families.

"Opportunities like this

don't just happen, they're created by the ingenuity within the business world and through the cooperative leadership of public institution," said Gov. Bob Riley. "On behalf of the residents, and especially on behalf of the future employees, I want to extend our sincere appreciation to KW Plastics."

Already the can is being marketed through Home Depot, Lowes and Wal-Mart stores. About 600 million paint cans are produced each year in the United States.

"It's certainly a great day for KW Plastics and our employees and I would like to thank the City of Troy, Mayor Lunsford and the city council for bringing this project together. Without them it would not have happened," said Kenny Campbell, a partner in KW Plastics.

"I'd like to say this represents a perfect example of what can happen when private industry and local governments work together for the betterment of their community," he said.

Discussions over the expansion began in early spring, Campbell said, and through the cooperative work with local and state economic development and city officials, the company decided to locate the can manufacturing facility in Troy. KW also has four other plants located in Georgia, Illinois, California and Pennsylvania.

"It became quite clear that as it progressed, it would be better to produce the can in Troy rather than in other states," he said.

Campbell said hiring was expected to begin early next year and that wages would be based on skill level.

"The City of Troy is very pleased to see one our home operations choose to expand here. The decision to invest and grow in Troy validates that our community is a favorable economic environment to build and grow good business," Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said.

State Sen. Wendell Mitchell echoed the mayors comments.

"I think it is important to acknowledge the emphasis that we're putting today on existing industry and developing what we have in Alabama. It's most important

that we encourage the industrial prospects we have in Alabama," he said.