Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen joined company officials and local leaders to cut the ribbon on Bluegrass Supply Chain Services LLC’s expansion in Bowling Green.
Bluegrass Supply Chain Services, a third-party logistics provider, will create 55 jobs and invest $5.2 million into the project.
Gov. Steve Beshear applauded the expansion.
“Bluegrass Supply Chain has been a vital contributor to Kentucky’s economy for more than a decade,” said Gov. Beshear. “I extend my sincere congratulations on this expansion and wish the company continued success in Bowling Green for many more years to come.”
“Growing companies are successful companies, and we are delighted that Bluegrass Supply Chain is growing in Warren County,” said Lt. Gov. Luallen. “The Commonwealth’s partnership with Bluegrass demonstrates the quality of our workforce, as well as the advantages which come with such an ideal location to do business.”
Bluegrass decided to move its three Bowling Green locations into one centralized corporate office and warehouse.
The new facility on Scotty Way, next to the Bowling Green Transpark, will provide an additional 160,000 square feet of space and will allow the company to serve several new customers.
“Bluegrass Supply Chain is proud to continue our growth in Bowling Green,” said Bluegrass Supply Chain president John Higgins. “We began our company here 13 years ago in a small space in the small business accelerator. In the years since, we’ve experienced monumental growth, and we are thankful that Bowling Green and Warren County have enthusiastically accommodated our needs at each step. This expansion is an exciting development for our company, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate it with our community.”
Founded in Bowling Green in 2002, Bluegrass Supply Chain Services provides value added supply chain solutions to automotive and food customers. Today, the company offers warehousing, quality support, light assembly and transportation management services over a four state region, with approximately 60 percent of its business serving customers outside the state. The company currently has 24 full-time workers.
For the last two years Bluegrass has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in America.
“I'm glad to see this homegrown business thrive in Bowling Green,” said Sen. Mike Wilson, of Bowling Green. “This expansion will serve our community and state well and demonstrates our city can be a hub for successful multi-state businesses.”
“This is great news for our community and another example of the good things our Transpark is helping to bring to the region,” said Rep. Jody Richards, of Bowling Green. “I want to thank Bluegrass Supply Chain Services for taking this step to consolidate its locations while adding these jobs. I also appreciate our local and state economic development officials working together to help make this happen.”
“Economic growth in Bowling Green and the surrounding areas demonstrate their importance as an economic hub for the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Michael Meredith, of Brownsville. “I applaud Bluegrass Supply Chain for its decision to expand operations and be an important part of our local economy now and for years to come.”
“We are very proud to have a company like Bluegrass Supply Chain Services here in Bowling Green,” said Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. “While we appreciate each and every business in our community, it’s always a special treat to see a company that began right here continue to grow and succeed. I am pleased to congratulate Bluegrass Supply Chain Services on this most recent expansion and I wish them continued success.”
“Bluegrass Supply Chain Services exemplifies what every small business startup dreams of,” said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. “Going from two employees to over 600 in a matter of a few short years is simply outstanding. I congratulate the company on this expansion, and I thank them for their commitment to Warren County,”
To encourage the investment and job growth in Warren County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1.25 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
A detailed community profile for Bowling Green (Warren County) can be viewed here.
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 or follow on Twitter. Watch the Cabinet’s “This is My Kentucky” video on YouTube.