U.S. Congressman Dennis Ross and other dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting ceremony today.

“This state-of-the-art facility is part of the economic engine for Lakeland,” said Ross. “This facility benefits both employees and local businesses alike. 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 from IGT’s investment in Florida (Florida), and the Lakeland community.”

IGT’s Chief Operating Officer for Lottery Jay Gendron praised credited the Lakeland Economic Development Council to help get the project across the finish line.

“Today is about a strong partnership we’ve developed with the Lakeland Economic Development Council,” said Gendron. “Working together with the LEDC, IGT has developed relationships with Lakeland businesses and contractors, and we’ve created several new jobs as part of our expansion project. The substantial investment we are making now is a true indication of IGT’s commitment to Lakeland in the years to come.”

The company also said that the facility’s new printing press, the newest in the industry, will increase IGT’s printing capacity by about 30 percent.

“The new TRESU press is very important to our printing business and allows us to service our lottery customers in a greater capacity,” continued Mr. Gendron. “The TRESU will complement and expand our current production capabilities, scheduling flexibility, and capacity. In fact, the addition of this second press actually increases production capacity in the overall industry, something that has not been done in more than 13 years.”