United States Playing Card Co. (USPC), an industry leader in manufacturing premium branded playing cards, is making a significant investment to expand its Erlanger facility, creating 10 full-time jobs in Kentucky.
“The growth of Kentucky-based companies manufacturing, producing and selling products to customers across the U.S. and internationally is a testament to the quality of businesses across our state,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Since United States Playing Cards was founded in our state in 2008, they’ve never looked back, continually investing and growing in the Northern Kentucky region. We’re excited to see the company expand again and look forward to their continued success here in Boone County.”
To meet increasing demand, USPC will expand its Boone County operations to increase manufacturing capacity by adding a new production line. The project will include new and upgraded equipment and facility upgrades. USPC’s investment will create 10 quality jobs in Kentucky, primarily for production technicians and machine operators, as well as engineering, customer service, sales and production planning positions.
“We are especially pleased that this investment will create 10 high-quality new jobs, further strengthening our ties to the local community and contributing to regional economic growth,” said USPC President Craig Townsend. “This investment will increase our playing card production capabilities, allowing us to continue to provide the superior products our customers expect and trust.”
Founded in Cincinnati, USPC has operated its manufacturing operations in its Norwood, Ohio facility for over 100 years. Due to business growth and the need for a larger, more efficient manufacturing location, USPC opened operations in Kentucky in 2008 and moved all of its operations to Kentucky in 2009.
USPC has since invested in equipment such as new printing presses, new paper laminating equipment and new warehouse facilities, as well as additional investments in building upgrades to accommodate the relocation.
United States Playing Card Co. is a leader in the manufacture and distribution of premium brands of playing cards, including Bee, Bicycle, Aviator, Hoyle, Kem and Congress brand playing cards. Bicycle has been the world’s best-selling brand of playing cards for over 130 years. Founded in 1867, the company manufactures, markets and distributes traditional playing cards, card games, children’s card games and card accessories. The company is part of the Cartamundi Group, a global leader in “playing” solutions including playing cards, card and board games, collectible and trading card games.
Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore expressed his appreciation for the expansion of USPC’s headquarters and manufacturing base, saying, “We welcome this expansion and the new, good-paying jobs and production capacity it will create at their Northern Kentucky facility. Their playing cards seen around the world are made right here in Northern Kentucky.”
The U.S. Playing Card Company in Gap Way, Boone County. (File photo)
Lee Croom, CEO of the BE NKY Growth Partnership, also congratulated USPC on expanding its presence in Northern Kentucky.
“Advanced manufacturing is a major economic driver for Northern Kentucky and represents great career opportunities for residents throughout the Cincinnati region, and we appreciate the company’s continued investment in Boone County,” Croom said.
USPC’s investment and job creation builds on four of the most rapid years of economic growth in state history.
Since taking office, Governor Beshear has announced more than 1,000 new private sector location and expansion projects totaling more than $31.7 billion in announced investment and creating approximately 53,300 jobs – the largest investment secured by a governor in state history.
Statewide, wages are rising in line with robust job creation, with average incentive hourly wages for 2022 and 2023 exceeding $26 for the first time in a row.
Governor’s Office
