PROVIDENCE – Gaming-machine and lottery company International Game Technology PLC has completed a $15 million expansion for a new, modern instant-ticket press at its Lakeland, Fla., facility.
The extra 45,000 square feet allows room for a new instant-ticket press; an extra production area; a new shipping and receiving area; offices; and storage. Employment is up by 112 percent since the facility opened in 2009, representing $11.7 million in annual payroll wages, according to an IGT news release. More new hires are expected.
“This state-of-the-art facility is part of the economic engine for Lakeland,” said Rep. Dennis A. Ross, R-Fla. “From construction jobs to expand the facility to IGT using a number of local vendors ensuring the plant is kept up and running, the local economy is benefiting.”
The new TRESU press will increase IGT’s printing capacity by about 30 percent. The TRESU is the newest in the industry, incorporating the latest advancements in flexography technology.
“The new TRESU press … allows us to service our lottery customers in a greater capacity,” said Jay Gendron, IGT chief operating officer of lottery. “The TRESU will complement and expand our current production capabilities, scheduling flexibility and capacity … this second press actually increases production capacity in the overall industry, something that has not been done in more than 13 years,” he said in a statement.
IGT is set to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2017 results on March 8.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributor.
