With 40 years under its belt, the cheese industry is continuing to make an impact on the local economy.

Bel Brands USA, located on West Main Street in Leitchfield, recently celebrated 40 years of business in Grayson County.

The location specializes in producing a variety of gourmet cheeses. By the end of 2010, Bel Brands is expected to have produced 33.8 million pounds of dairy products.

Second-District Congressman Brett Guthrie visited the plant on August 17 to commend workers on the business' continuing success. Guthrie bestowed a Congressional Record certificate to Bel Brands Plant Manager Francine Moudry. A Congressional Record is a hard copy of information that was presented before Congress concerning a certain topic.

“The plant has grown exponentially since its establishment 40 years ago," Guthrie explained. "Currently, the plant employs 370 individuals between two production departments, and covers an area of almost 190,000 square feet. Bel Brands USA and its Leitchfield facility have remained committed to hard work and creativity. With 25 production sites worldwide, Bel Brands USA promotes their core values in the workplace and throughout the community. Ethics, innovation, competence, cohesion and enthusiasm have contributed to the company’s many accomplishments."

During the presentation, Bel Brands Plant Manager Francine Moudry reminded the attending audience that expansion efforts were still in the near future. She did not have a definite date as of yet, but local officials have already begun contributing to the expansion plans.

Construction for the new building will be located across the street from the existing facility. Close to 15 acres have been allotted for the project.

The City of Leitchfield and the Industrial Foundation announced during the August 2 Leitchfield City Council meeting that a partnership was made with the foundation.

According to Executive Director of Economic Development Dudley Cooper, half of the $150,000 cost for two properties (previously owned by BW Lyons) would be paid for out of the city's budget and the other part would be paid for out of the Industrial Foundation's budget.

Leitchfield City Clerk and Treasurer Erin Embry talked about the process in more detail.

"If Bel Brands is able to get everything approved," Embry advised, "they will expand across the street. The city and the Industrial Foundation purchased property from BW Lyons in order to help with the relocation. When that takes place though, one city road easement on Basham Drive will have to be closed."

Along with several Bel Brands' employees, other participants for the presentation of the congressional record included Leitchfield Mayor William H. Thomason and Grayson County Judge-Executive Gary Logsdon.