Rick Scott, deputy plant manager, said he was glad to see so many people coming out to join in the celebration of the plant's opening.

"I just want to thank everyone who had a part in making this thing happen," he said.

The 100,000 square-foot plant, which began construction last summer, will manufacture aluminum radiators and air coolers for cars and recreational vehicles. The $10 million facility is expected to employ approximately 96 people at full production.

Scott said the plant is currently running at approximately 20 percent production but that should be steadily increasing over the next few weeks.

The new plant is one of two American plants owned by Toyo Radiator Ltd. of Japan, both in Hopkinsville.

Scott said it was no surprise that the second plant was located in Hopkinsville, because of the helpful, considerate nature of the people in the area.

"We've been in Hopkinsville since 1987 and been very successful with the people and the area," he said. "So it seemed like a good place to locate another division."

Copar Inc. was established in 1987 as a joint venture between Toyo and Long Manufacturing of Canada to produce copper and brass heat transfer units for off-highway vehicles.

Long Manufacturing sold its interests in the joint venture in 1991, the same year that the aluminum division was added.

As Scott welcomed the visitors onto the production floor of the plant, he noted that the weather was perfect for the grand opening celebration, which he hoped was nature's prediction for the plant's future.

"I believe the bright sky and the warm sun are an appropriate example of our future here in Hopkinsville," he said.