Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials from Graves County and leaders from Osmundson Mfg. Co. to break ground on the company’s new multimillion-dollar manufacturing facility. The investment further strengthens Kentucky’s agritech and manufacturing sectors and will create 80 quality jobs over the coming years.
“Manufacturing is Kentucky’s largest industry, and the economic momentum the sector is experiencing shows no sign of slowing down,” said Gov. Beshear. “In December, we welcomed Osmundson’s announcement of a new manufacturing facility in Hickory, and today, I am thrilled to join company and local leaders to break ground on the project. Groundbreakings are always special, but this one is especially so because it’s helping this community continue to build back stronger than ever after the devastating December 2021 tornados. I am excited to see Osmundson thrive here in Graves County.”
The company’s investment includes the purchase of nearly 35 acres to construct a 150,000-square-foot facility, which will house two hot production lines and support cold workstations that will produce 20-inch and larger disc blades for the agriculture and construction industries.
“Mayfield and Hickory are special places. Not only are the people remarkably resilient – they are genuine, hardworking and they treat everyone as their own family,” said Osmundson President Heather Bruce. “It's because of this that we felt a kinship – a connection – and knew that this was the place we wanted to call Osmundson’s second home. Our vision for this new facility is to produce products beyond our current capabilities and propel our industry forward into the next era of innovation. We are honored to support Mayfield as it continues to rebuild stronger than ever before and excited to see what the future holds for all of us.”
Osmundson is a fifth-generation, family-owned manufacturer of high-quality, high-performance tillable blades and cultivation tools. Osmundson blades are 100% American-made and have been for nearly 120 years. Founded in 1903 as Osmundson Spade, the company developed a revolutionary spade that resists breakage. The “unbreakable spade” now sits on display in the Smithsonian. Osmundson Spade grew to become Osmundson Mfg. Co. through the evolution of agriculture. The company currently employs approximately 100 employees at its 142,000-square-foot headquarters and production facility in Perry, Iowa.
The investment adds to Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector, which is a more than $39 billion industry. The annual payroll exceeds $4.72 billion, and the sector generates more than 8,700 jobs for Kentuckians. Administration-to-date, private-sector new-location or expansion manufacturing projects have announced over $22.6 billion in planned investments and will create more than 30,500 full-time positions in the state.
Graves County Judge/Executive Jesse Perry noted the scope of the project and the state’s support: “Attending the KEDFA meeting in December was an outstanding opportunity to see the support that Kentucky has for Osmundson Mfg. Co. Visiting the Governor at the capital and his presence now in Graves County for the official groundbreaking of this 150,000-square-foot facility highlights the quality company that will be creating 80 high-paying jobs in Graves County. I am looking forward to the company cementing their place in our community and following their progress as they build and grow here.”
Mayor Kathy O’Nan of the nearby City of Mayfield welcomed Osmundson to the community: “We in Mayfield are proud of the economic growth we have seen within the commonwealth during the past three years, but this groundbreaking is so special to us as it is right here in our own backyard. We are grateful to have been selected by Osmundson as the first expansion outside of their home state of Iowa, and we welcome them as they grow here and become an important part of our Graves County community.”
Graves County Economic Development Council President Jason Lemle spoke on the strength of the community and Osmundson’s leadership team: “Graves County has been a place of resiliency and progress since I arrived in early 2021. Adding Osmundson Mfg. Co. to our community amidst everything else that has occurred is a testament to the strength and fortitude this community has shown for decades. Heather and her team have been wonderful to work with these past few months and I look forward to supporting Osmundson Mfg. Co. as they grow and expand here in Graves County.”
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley congratulated Osmundson on the project: “Congratulations to Osmundson Manufacturing Co. on its groundbreaking in Graves County. We are proud to partner with West Kentucky RECC, Graves County Economic Development and the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development to support companies like Osmundson Manufacturing Co. that are creating job opportunities and investment in the region and celebrate this occasion together.”
Osmundson Mfg. Co.’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.