Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated Harbor Steel & Supply Corp., a distributor and manufacturer of fabricated products for the steel and aluminum industries, as company and local leadership gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a new $8 million operation in Bowling Green that is creating 25 full-time jobs.
“I want to congratulate Harbor Steel & Supply on this new facility in Bowling Green,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the company’s second location in the commonwealth, and the commitment they have shown our workforce and communities is amazing. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive here.”
Harbor Steel announced in September 2021 plans to locate its second Kentucky facility in Warren County. In May 2022, the company broke ground on the 50,000-square-foot facility in the Kentucky Transpark. In addition to the initial investment, the operation provides an opportunity for potential future expansion and job creation. The company’s investment included the acquisition of laser machines, press brakes for forming, automated saws and other equipment.
Harbor Steel also currently operates in Lexington, where it opened in 1991 and employs 60 Kentuckians. The Bowling Green facility will support overflow from the Lexington operation and support the growth of the company’s customer base and service area.
Last year, Gov. Beshear announced the city of Bowling Green and its officials will implement upgrades at the Kentucky Transpark behind a $1 million investment, building on one of the fastest-growing industrial parks in Kentucky.
“Our project in the Transpark has been incredible,” said Harbor Steel President Michael Weis. “The state of Kentucky, the officials in Warren County and Bowling Green have been very supportive throughout this build. The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce has created a perfect climate for business and industry to thrive in the area. All of us at Harbor Steel appreciate the kindness and support from everyone in the area.”
Muskegon, Michigan-based Harbor Steel was founded in 1952 and has become a complete metal service center for its customers in seven locations across the central United States. The company distributes and manufactures fabricated steel products and specializes in processed sheet and plate for a variety of markets. Harbor Steel’s services include sheet and tube laser cutting, plasma cutting, flame cutting, saw cutting, forming and machining of hot-rolled and cold-rolled aluminum and stainless steel. Aside from its Kentucky presence, the company operates in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman thanked company leadership for their commitment to Warren County.
“Harbor Steel’s investment in our community is a testament to the strength of our workforce and pro-business environment,” said Judge Gorman. “We are grateful for their confidence, and we look forward to watching them grow for years to come.”
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott showed his excitement for the new facility.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Harbor Steel’s exciting new facility today,” said Mayor Alcott. “Their project plays an integral part in maintaining South Central Kentucky as a vibrant manufacturing hub.”
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Ron Bunch wished the company luck.
“Harbor Steel’s emphasis on quality control, on-time delivery and total customer service has driven their company’s success,” said Bunch. “We are honored to celebrate the grand opening of their new facility here in Bowling Green and look forward to their success in our community.”
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley congratulated Harbor Steel on its grand opening.
“TVA and Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corp. congratulate Harbor Steel & Supply on its opening in Bowling Green,” said Bradley. “We are proud to partner with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce to support companies like Harbor Steel & Supply, that create job opportunities and investment in the region, and we celebrate this occasion together.”