Gov. Beshear Celebrates Bicycle Brand Anniversary, Cuts Ribbon on Expansion in Erlanger

The playing card manufacturer and distributor has operated in Kentucky since 2008.

(Erlanger, Ky.) - On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local leaders in Erlanger and executives from the United States Playing Card Co. (USPC) to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Bicycle brand playing cards and cut the ribbon on its new expanded facility, which created 10 new jobs.

“This is yet another great project for the commonwealth and an exciting milestone for the United States Playing Card Co.,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am proud to celebrate the 140th anniversary of its Bicycle brand and to help cut the ribbon on their newly expanded facility in Erlanger. I want to congratulate the USPC and thank them for their continued belief in what Kentucky has to offer.”

Originally announced in May 2024, USPC has now expanded its Boone County operation, which allows for additional manufacturing capacity with a new press and finishing line. USPC’s investment is initially creating 10 quality Kentucky jobs, which will primarily include production technicians and machine operators as well as roles in engineering, customer service, sales and production planning. This increase adds to the more than 300 locally employed USPC team members.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Gov. Andy Beshear to the United States Playing Card Co. headquarters and manufacturing facility as we celebrate the 140th anniversary of the iconic Bicycle brand and officially unveil our new finishing line and press,” said Craig Townsend, president of USPC. “For 140 years, USPC has proudly produced our playing cards in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati region. Having Gov. Beshear here to commemorate this exciting expansion of our manufacturing capabilities is a moment of great pride for our entire team and community.”

USPC was founded in Cincinnati with manufacturing operations at a factory in Norwood, Ohio, for over 100 years. Due to business growth and a need for a larger and more efficient manufacturing site, USPC began operations in Kentucky in 2008 and moved the company’s total operations to the commonwealth in 2009. USPC subsequently invested in equipment including new printing presses, new paper laminating equipment, new warehouse equipment, plus an additional investment in upgrades to the building with the relocation.

Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore recently toured USPC to congratulate company leaders on the 140th anniversary of the Bicycle brand: “We appreciate USPC’s continued investment and job growth in Northern Kentucky. It’s quite impressive seeing how they make the decks of cards, purchased by families throughout the United States, right here in Boone County.”