Cary, N.C-based Lord Corp. will expand its Bowling Green facility with a $3 million investment that will produce 80 new full-time jobs, according to an announcement from Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s office.

The privately held company develops and manufactures adhesives and vibration control products.

Lord’s Bowling Green facility was built in 1974 to produce shock and vibration control components for markets in the truck, automotive, off-highway and industrial equipment industries, according to the company.

Lord’s plant at 2800 Pioneer Drive has 160 employees.

Lord said the increased production comes as part of the company’s five-year plan.

&#8220Lord Corporation is pleased to partner with the greater Bowling Green area and the state of Kentucky to support our business growth,” said Rick McNeel, president and CEO of Lord Corp. in a news release. &#8220The tax benefits offered by the state of Kentucky, together with Lord Corporation’s commitment to continuous improvement, will allow us to maintain a profitable business in a competitive world environment.”

Lord will receive tax benefits of up to $1.2 million from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, as allowed under the Kentucky Industrial Development Act, an incentive program designed to attract and expand manufacturing employment in the state.

Fletcher said the expansion of Kentucky’s existing businesses is vital to the state’s overall economy. Local leaders said the expansion was a reflection of a business climate good for locating and growing a business and will bring an additional $25 million of business to Warren County.