Hawk Converting To Begin Operating in Summer 2011
March 10, 2011 - Hawk Converting recently announced their new venture at a Lewisburg City Council meeting where they were rewarded with a payment in lieu of taxes program on their capital investment. Hawk Converting will take a capital investment of just over $1 million in real estate and equipment and expects to employ 30 new hires over the next 2 to 5 years.
Hawk Converting was established in 2010 to fulfill a vision to provide a converting solution in the Southeastern United States that isn't currently available in all areas. The company will specialize in the paper converting business with a focus on projects tied to offset, flexo and digital printing. It will give owners Re Hawkins Kelso and Kathryn Hawkins the opportunity to build an organization from the ground up with services that will compliment their printing knowledge and experience.
“Overall, our company can be characterized as a provider of various finishing, packaging and fulfillment solutions. By the year 2013 Hawk Converting could emerge as the leader in the deployment of converting solutions, specifically targeting the packaging market where there is a need to reduce waste tied to paper.” said Mrs. Kelso.
“Lewisburg Printing is a local success story at its best,” said Lewisburg Director of Economic Development Greg Lowe. “From the newspaper business to the printing business, the Hawkins family has been an industry and community leader in Lewisburg and we are happy to assist them with their newest venture.”
The Lewisburg Economic Development Office began working with Hawk Converting several weeks ago along with the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, the South Central Development District, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Lewisburg Electric System and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Together, a plan of incentives and programs were put in place to help Hawk Converting expand their business.
Currently, Kelso and Hawkins are negotiating terms to acquire a new building in Lewisburg for Hawk Converting. With training for new employees, Hawk Converting hopes to be up and running by the end of summer or sooner.
“Thanks to everyone at the City of Lewisburg and the other state and regional agencies for helping us start what we believe will be a new and exciting business opportunity for us.” said Mrs. Hawkins.
“Helping existing industries find ways to grow and prosper has been my main focus since becoming the Director of Economic Development for the City of Lewisburg,” said Lowe. “I am beginning to see signs of growth and improvement among our existing industries and I believe Lewisburg continues to be a prime location for future manufacturing projects looking for a home. I am here to help make that happen along with Mike Wiles and the Joint Economic and Community Development Board, Eddie Wiles and the Industrial Development Board and Ritaanne Weaver and the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce. Together, we have something to show you in Marshall County. Let’s talk business.”
