Late last month, three companies announced expansion projects that will create a total of 331 jobs and bring more than $12 million in capital investment to Kentucky.

In Harrodsburg, environmentally friendly laundry detergent sheet maker Earth Breeze will establish an approximately $5.9 million facility that will create 226 jobs.The new 81,250-square-foot facility will handle multiple aspects of the Earth Breeze production process, including the blending of its proprietary eco-friendly formulation, drying and processing, cutting and packaging, order fulfillment operations, quality control laboratory testing and research and development.

“We are incredibly grateful to the state of Kentucky for their outstanding support and partnership throughout this journey,” commented Ben Smith, COO of Earth Breeze. “From the very beginning, the state has demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering growth and innovation, helping us navigate every step with care and efficiency. Kentucky’s strong workforce, business-friendly environment and collaborative spirit have made it the perfect home for Earth Breeze. This investment is not just about expanding our operations – it’s about building a sustainable future together with the Harrodsburg community. We are excited to bring new opportunities, create quality jobs and be part of Kentucky’s continued economic success.”

“We’re excited to welcome Earth Breeze to our New Kentucky Home,” remarked Governor Andy Beshear. “This project will create quality jobs and opportunities for the Harrodsburg community, and I we can’t wait to see this innovative company succeed.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $2.4 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $5.89 million and annual job create and wage targets. In addition, Earth Breeze can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers, including no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training, and job-training incentives.

“HMCIDA, on behalf of our entire community, is thrilled by Earth Breeze’s decision to locate and do business in our community,” said Greyson Evans, on behalf of the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority. “For several years now, Harrodsburg and Mercer County have made a concerted push for job growth and to tell the world we’re open for business. Partnership from an environmentally friendly American manufacturer that complements our existing business landscape so well is a blessing – we’re very excited to engage with Earth Breeze and support them in their effort to prosper in Kentucky!”

Marquette Transportation To Invest Over $5M In Paducah

In Western Kentucky, Marquette Transportation Co. plans to expand current operations at its Paducah facility with an over $5 million investment. The independent provider of barge towing services on America’s inland waterways will create up to 55 new jobs in Kentucky.

“We are proud to be headquartered in Paducah, and we appreciate the Governor, the State of Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for their dedication to fostering business growth across the Commonwealth,” said Damon Judd, president and CEO of Marquette. “The potential incentives from KEDFA will help us continue our investments in training and supporting our people – our most important asset. We appreciate the support from Mayor Bray, Judge/Executive Clymer and Mr. Wilcox of our industry and for Marquette’s expansion project. Paducah plays a central role to America’s inland waterway industry, and we are thankful that we are able to offer hardworking Kentuckians a rewarding career with great advancement opportunities in the marine transportation industry.”

The company will expand its current operation in McCracken County, adding a new training center, warehouse and additional office space. The project will bring the company’s total Kentucky employment to more than 340 workers. The jobs created will include both shoreside and vessel positions.

“One of Kentucky’s greatest strengths has always been its unique access to resources and ideal location for companies to distribute their products to businesses and consumers quickly and efficiently,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is an exciting project not just for our surging distribution and logistics industry, but for Paducah and Western Kentucky. I want to thank Marquette Transportation’s leadership for their belief in the commonwealth and look forward to their continued success.

KEDFA approved a 15-year incentive agreement with Marquette under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $800,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of over $5 million and annual job and wage targets. In addition, Marquette can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers.

“Marquette is one of the nation’s largest marine transportation companies and one of our region’s largest employers,” said Greater Paducah Economic Development President and CEO Bruce Wilcox. “This additional investment and their commitment to grow in our community strengthens even more Paducah’s presence in the maritime industry. We are very excited and grateful for their decision to expand their operations here in Paducah.”

Cornbread Hemp To Expand In Louisville

In Louisville, Cornbread Hemp will expand its operations with a $1 million investment. The producer of full-spectrum organic hemp products will create 50 full-time jobs, bringing the company’s total Kentucky employment to over 100. The expansion will allow the company to increase its presence in the Kentucky manufacturing community, while continuing to meet the needs of its growing customer base.

KEDFA approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $700,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $1 million and annual job creation and wage targets. Cornbread Hemp can also receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive these tax incentives from Team Kentucky,” said Cornbread Hemp co-founder and CEO Eric Zipperle. “This support reinforces the commonwealth’s commitment to fostering innovation and also allows us to accelerate our growth and continue creating meaningful jobs. As a startup, these incentives are crucial to helping us scale and bring our vision to life.”

“As a growing company, we are excited to contribute to the commonwealth’s thriving business ecosystem and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our community, our farming partners in Kentucky and our customers nationwide,” added Jim Higdon, Cornbread Hemp co-founder and chief communications officer.

Cornbread Hemp produces full-spectrum organic CBD products sourced exclusively from Kentucky-grown hemp flowers. These products include CBD gummies, oils, capsules, creams and balms. Cornbread Hemp is the maker of the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies, the only USDA-certified organic THC gummies and soon-to-be-released hemp THC beverages.

Watch the video below to learn more about Cornbread Hemp and its products:

“We are excited to see a Louisville-based company continue to grow and expand its presence in our city,” commented Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Last year, companies committed to adding almost 4,600 new jobs in Louisville – the most in a single year since 2017. Through the creation of the Louisville Economic Development Alliance and the hiring of new CEO Trevor Pawl, we are expecting to continue our positive job creation momentum in 2025.”

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