Local governments announce multiple economic development growth

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – More evidence of a growing economy here in southern Kentucky.

Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation, a metals distributor and manufacturer, is expanding its operations in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Barren County broke ground on a speculative building in an industrial park because of confidence that even more jobs to the area.

South Central Kentucky is seeing a large amount of growth and Thursday, local officials announced two economic development projects.

The Harbor Steel and Supply Corporation is a nearly 70-year-old company that will be opening its seventh center in the Kentucky Transpark.

The biggest center for Harbor Steel is already up and functioning in Lexington.

The company plans to create 25 new jobs through an $8 million investment in the region.

Mike Wies, the president of Harbor Steel and Supply, says they chose Bowling Green for several reasons.

“We want an automotive presence and they have it in Bowling Green. It’s always nice to be near an institution like Western Kentucky, that’s a plus. And just really the growing, vibrant industrial sector that’s really taken off in Warren County is really appealing to us,” said Wies.

Wies says the groundbreaking is expected in the spring.  They hope to open by the end of next year.

The total economic impact is expected to exceed $53 million over the next decade.

“This expansion of our operations into Bowling Green opens the door on yet another important step along our solid path to sustainable growth and meeting our customer needs,” said Harbor Steel & Supply Corp. President, Michael Weis. “Since our first expansion in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, we have continued to invest for long-term growth here. We are excited to call this community home for our fabricated manufacturing and warehousing facility, we are proud of the commitment and dedication of our team members and looking forward to what the future holds.”

“Harbor Steel & Supply Corp. has been a quality Kentucky employer for the past 30 years, and I am thrilled to see the company grow its presence in our state,” Gov. Beshear said. “This project reflects Kentucky’s strength in the metals industry, and it continues the unparalleled economic momentum our state has seen in recent months. I wish the company well as it establishes its second Kentucky facility and hope to see even more growth in the future.”

“Warren County is a great place to do business and Harbor Steel & Supply Corp. is one more shining example of our strong business community.” said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. “We are grateful for their continued confidence and investment in our community.”

“Congratulations to Harbor Steel & Supply Corp., which is launching an exciting new project. They will serve as a key contributor to Kentucky’s booming fabricated metals industry, and the company has been integral in establishing South Central Kentucky as a vibrant manufacturing hub. Their drive to succeed is impressive, and we look forward to seeing them further expand their operations,” said Mayor Todd Alcott.

“TVA and Warren RECC congratulate Harbor Steel & Supply Corp. on its decision to locate operations in Bowling Green. Helping attract new job opportunities and investment in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to help further that mission and support companies, like Harbor Steel & Supply’s business success in the Valley,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development.

“We are excited to welcome Harbor Steel & Supply Corp. to the Kentucky Transpark. We are pleased to have them as a member and we look forward to working with them for many years to come,” said Dewayne McDonald, President and CEO of Warren RECC.

“We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of Harbor Steel & Supply’s new facility here in Bowling Green,” said Ron Bunch, Chamber President and CEO. “They will be exemplary members of our business community. We look forward to their future in our community.”

Harbor Steel & Supply’s employees will spend nearly $12,662,831 in the community over the next 10 years which includes investing $1,280,893 towards property taxes, spending $1,051,015 on groceries, $962,375 on mortgages, $1,630,458 on health services, $658,468 on buying vehicles, $671,130 at local restaurants, and $455,862 on clothing.

Year to date, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has closed 9 economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling $354.7 in capital investment and generating 1,017 new jobs for 2021. Bowling Green was recently recognized by Livability as a “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in addition to being ranked as the second-best city in the United States for manufacturing by Global Trade Magazine. Additionally, Site Selection Magazine has awarded the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce the prestigious Mac Conway Award placing it in the top twenty economic development organizations in the United States for performance in 2020.

The economic development announcements continue on from Bowling Green to Highland Glen Industrial Park in Glasgow.

The Barren County Economic Authority (BCEA) and Scott, Murphy & Daniel broke ground on a 100,000 square foot speculative building on Thursday.

A speculative building is a shell building without a tenant or buyer and serves the purpose of attracting an employer.

“Speed to market is often a determining factor in site location a spec building decreases the amount of time it takes for a business to move into our area. Barren County Economic Authority receives inquiries for buildings on a regular basis. Having available space, a strong marketing effort and an array of economic development incentives allows Barren County to be more competitive,” said BCEA Chairman, David Peterson.

The 100,000-sf speculative building expandable to 150,000 sf will sit on approximately 23 rail served acres, just minutes from the Cumberland Expressway and I-65.

“We are excited to partner with Scott, Murphy & Daniel on this project,” said Maureen Carpenter, Executive Director of the Barren County Economic Authority. “Economic Development activity is on the rise and this building will make Barren County more competitive and attractive to potential industries.”

Scott, Murphy & Daniel, a Bowling Green based full-service construction firm, has a long history in supporting economic and industrial development in South Central Kentucky with nearly 30 years in the business.

“We want to thank all the efforts of the Barren County Economic Authority for their vision in positioning this build-ready site for economic development and industry growth,” said Mike Murphy, President Scott, Murphy & Daniel. “Barren County is a great place for business and industry, and we are glad to be a part of their growth and success.”

BCEA receives inquiries for buildings on a regular basis. Having available space, a strong marketing effort and an array of economic development incentives allows Barren County to be more competitive.

“With this new building we stand ready for our next industrial investment in our community.  With utilities already to the site and a shell of a building, we can accommodate companies on a quick timeline” said Barren County Judge Executive Micheal Hale. “We are being progressive in our economic development efforts and appreciate the support of Scott, Murphy, & Daniel for seeing the potential and opportunity here in Highland Glen and for working with us to see this project to fruition”

“We have had a tough year and a half, but there is a light at the end of all of this and with the developments happening here in Glasgow, we will be ready. The city appreciates everyone’s support, and we look forward to continued growth and prosperity,” said Glasgow City Mayor Harold Armstrong.

The building is expected to be complete by February 2022.

For more information about Highland Glen, the Speculative Building or economic development services visit: www.barrencoea.com.