Cabinet for Economic Development
Gov. Beshear Announces Hearthside Food Solutions to Expand Operations in London, Create 80 Jobs

Baked goods manufacturer to invest $1.4 million in the Commonwealth

FRANKFORT Ky. (July 18, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear today announced Hearthside Food Solutions LLC plans to add a production line to its existing facility in London, creating 80 jobs and investing $1.4 million in the project. 

“It’s always exciting to see a company continue to invest in its Kentucky facility, increase jobs and help grow the economy here in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re pleased to partner with Hearthside to help create 80 new jobs and further bolster Kentucky’s food and beverage industry as well as the local economy in London and the surrounding area.” 

Including the London facility, Hearthside has 13 manufacturing plants in six states. With an 80-year history, Hearthside is the contract manufacturer to premier food companies. The company is again expanding its London operation, adding a new production line for bakery products.    

“Hearthside’s cookie factory has been part of Laurel County for generations, confirming our commitment to both our people and our community,” said Hearthside Vice President of Manufacturing Doug Sherman. “Continued investment, including this expansion, is good for our people, for Kentucky and for our company.”

Kentucky is home to a thriving food and beverage industry, including approximately 265 facilities, employing nearly 42,000 people. During Gov. Beshear’s administration, 123 food and beverage-related industry locations or expansions have been announced resulting in more than 2,600 new jobs and $766.6 million in new investment for the Commonwealth.

“Any time we expand manufacturing in our town, it is sweet music to our ears,” said Sen. Tom Jensen, of London. “I welcome Hearthside, whose products are also sweet, to London and anticipate a great relationship.”

“Hearthside has been a good corporate citizen to the people of London and Laurel County,” said Rep. Marie Rader, of McKee. “Today’s announcement further strengthens that positive business partnership between the company and our community for many years to come.”

“In a time when our economy is still moving toward recovery, it’s good whenever a company like Hearthside Food Solutions announces they are adding jobs,” said Rep. Tommy Turner, of Somerset. “I believe their decision to add another production line is reflective of the outstanding workforce in our region, and I applaud Hearthside’s decision to keep more jobs in the United States and Kentucky.”

“Hearthside is a cornerstone in the commercial growth of London and Laurel County,” said London Mayor Troy Rudder. “Now with a $1.4 million investment and the addition of 80 jobs, Hearthside continues its leadership role. The city of London is excited and we pledge our complete support during this time of expansion.”  

“As Laurel County Judge-Executive, I would like to express my appreciation, along with the county’s appreciation, to Hearthside for their decision to expand production at their London facility,” said Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield. “Hearthside continues to be a valuable asset to London and Laurel County by providing a substantial number of jobs for the citizens of Laurel and surrounding counties.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in London, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1.2 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. 

For more information on Hearthside Food Solutions, visit www.hearthsidefoods.com.

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.

A detailed community profile for London (Laurel County) can be viewed at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=055.