Erlanger, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2025) – Governor Andy Beshear joined community leaders and executives from the United States Playing Card Co. (USPC) to mark two major milestones: the 140th anniversary of the iconic Bicycle® brand and the ribbon cutting for USPC’s expanded Erlanger facility, which will add 10 new jobs in Boone County.
“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 USPC and thank them for their continued belief in what Kentucky has to offer.”
Expansion Highlights Growth in Kentucky
Originally announced in May 2024, the expansion adds new manufacturing capacity with a state-of-the-art press and finishing line. The investment is creating 10 high-quality Kentucky jobs, including production technicians, machine operators, engineers, customer service representatives, sales professionals, and production planners. The new roles build on USPC’s team of more than 300 employees already based in Northern Kentucky.
“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Gov. Andy Beshear to our 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 expansion of our manufacturing capabilities is a moment of great pride for our entire team and community.”
Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship
Founded in Cincinnati in 1867, USPC operated in Norwood, Ohio, for more than a century before relocating to Kentucky in 2008 to meet growing demand with a larger, more efficient facility. Since then, the company has continued to invest in new presses, laminating equipment, warehouse systems, and facility upgrades.
USPC is the global leader in playing card manufacturing and distribution, producing household names like Bicycle, Bee, Aviator, Hoyle, Kem, and Congress. Bicycle remains the bestselling playing card brand in the world for more than 130 years. USPC is part of the Cartamundi Group, a worldwide leader in playing cards, board games, collectibles, and trading card games.
Community Support
Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore praised USPC’s role in the community:
“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.”
Lee Crume, CEO of BE NKY Growth Partnership, highlighted the company’s impact:
“Dozens of consumer products are made in Northern Kentucky, and one of the most iconic is Bicycle playing cards. Advanced manufacturers succeed in the Cincinnati region, and USPC is one of our most recognizable examples.”
About United States Playing Card Co.
The United States Playing Card Co. manufactures, markets, and distributes leading brands of playing cards, including Bicycle, Bee, Aviator, Hoyle, Kem, and Congress. Headquartered in Erlanger, Kentucky, USPC is committed to producing quality products that have been enjoyed by generations of families worldwide. The company is part of Cartamundi Group, an international leader in games and collectibles.
For more information, visit usplayingcard.com.
A detailed community profile for Boone County can be viewed here.
