Biotech device maker Hardin Scientific Inc. will locate its new $11.6 million manufacturing and development operation in Green County, a project expected to create 50 full-time jobs, Gov. Matt Bevin announced.
“Hardin Scientific combines cutting-edge science with the kind of business initiative we want to encourage more of in Kentucky,” said Gov. Bevin. “Companies like this are fueling our state’s rise to national distinction in research and advanced manufacturing. It is the entrepreneurs with big ideas, like those guiding Hardin Scientific, that are making this happen. It is great to see a homegrown product of one of Kentucky’s universities leading the way as we move into the future.”
The company will locate in a 40,000-square-foot spec building in Greensburg where it will manufacture T3-i7 Cell-Culture incubators, the first modular and internet-enabled device on the company’s platform. The device enables accurate reproduction of human-like body conditions for tissue culture, stem-cell research, protein expressions and genetics in the research, diagnostic and forensic industries.
Founder and CEO Aaron Hardin, a Berea, Kentucky, native, noted the Greensburg community’s hospitality and the logistical advantages of locating in Kentucky as major factors in the company decision.
“There is a technological void in the life sciences; the people creating life-saving treatments and pharmaceuticals rely on outdated equipment,” Hardin said. “What they do with the tools they have is truly amazing, and I look forward to what they can accomplish with 21st century solutions. Bringing this project to Kentucky makes good business sense and the ability to stimulate economic growth in my home state feels right. We received two dozen state and city proposals and searched the globe, but I can’t think of a more dedicated, harder-working and humble labor force available.”
Hardin founded the company in 2016 with the mission to reduce human suffering through the elimination of disease, removal of barriers and an increase in the rate of discovery. He said the impetus for creating Hardin Scientific was a realization that “innovators weren’t being innovated,” noting the primary reason for high-cost prescription drugs is that equipment used in developing medications has become obsolete. Hardin Scientific’s T3-i7 technology helps to reduce the gap between equipment and treatment technology. Its patented health-monitoring system helps to safeguard samples and ensure a higher level of safety and security.
Sen. David Givens, of Greensburg, noted the significance of the community adding a science-related employer.
“I am proud that Hardin Scientific chose Greensburg in which to locate its newest operation,” Sen. Givens said. “The company’s choice speaks to the hardworking spirit of the workforce in the Greensburg region. With the creation of 50 new jobs and limitless possibilities in the scientific field, I look forward to Hardin Scientific’s success and thank the company for investing in our community.”
Rep. Brandon Reed, of Hodgenville, said the investment is the result of an increased focus on rural economic development.
“We are elated with the news that Hardin Scientific Inc. will be locating their operation to Green County,” Rep. Reed said. “This development worth $11.6 million, will result in 50 new jobs for our community. I have spent the last year supporting policies that deliver on our promise of job creation and economic opportunity to our rural areas, and today's exciting news is the result of our efforts.”
Greensburg mayor Lisle Cheatam expressed gratitude to the company for recognizing the community’s strengths.
“We are excited about the opportunity that the location of Hardin Scientific Inc. offers for Greensburg and Green County,” Mayor Cheatam said. “While this is just the first phase of making this project happen and there is still a long way to go, we are thankful to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the KEDFA board for their approval of tax incentives to help this project get off the ground. We are also thankful to Aaron Hardin and Hardin Scientific for their vision and understanding of the benefits of locating in a community like Greensburg.”
Green County judge-executive John Frank said the region has searched for a project like this for some time.
“I believe the residents of Greensburg and Green County, along with the Green County Fiscal Court, are more than ready to support Hardin Scientific in any way possible,” Judge-Executive Frank said. “Green County is obviously excited to welcome Hardin Scientific. With an investment of $11.6 million, 50 new jobs within the first two years, and more jobs to be added later, Green County looks forward to working with Hardin Scientific. I appreciate the company’s commitment to Greensburg and Green County, and I am certainly looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this decision will have on our community. We have had a real need for job opportunities in Green County for some time, and I really appreciate Hardin Scientific’s willingness to help with this situation.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in January preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, Hardin Scientific can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on Hardin Scientific, visit www.hardinscientific.com.
A detailed community profile for Green County can be viewed at http://bit.ly/GreenCoKy.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ThinkKentucky or follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ThinkKentucky. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency responsible for encouraging new jobs and investment in the state. New capital investment announced in Kentucky in 2017 totaled a state record $9.2 billion, spurring more than 17,200 projected new jobs. Information on available industrial properties, workforce development assistance, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other economic development resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.