Cabinet for Economic Development
Gov. Beshear Announces New York Blower to Locate New Manufacturing Operation in Grayson County, Create 125 Jobs

Industrial fan, ventilation systems manufacturer to invest $4.8 million

LEITCHFIELD, Ky. (May 30, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear today joined community and company officials in Leitchfield to announce New York Blower Company will locate a new manufacturing facility in Grayson County, creating 125 new, full-time jobs.

The company plans to purchase an existing facility and will invest $4.8 million as part of the project.

“This is a wonderful announcement and a promising time for Leitchfield, Grayson County and Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’re excited New York Blower Company chose to begin operations here and we’re glad the Commonwealth could play a role in making this project possible.”

Founded in 1889, New York Blower Company’s mission is to be a world leader in manufacturing premium-quality, engineered fans and blowers to the industrial marketplace. Today, New York Blower has one of the most complete portfolios in the world, consisting of thousands of different types and models of air-movement equipment.

“The New York Blower Company is very pleased to locate in Leitchfield,” said New York Blower Company Executive Vice President of Operations Bob Korfmann. “As a part of our process, we evaluated sites nationwide and found the Leitchfield/Grayson County community to be a top location. The efforts of Mayor Thomason, Industrial Development Corporation, other local officials, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the TVA in collaboration with the Warren RECC were exemplary and tireless, playing a major role in our final decision to come to Leitchfield. We want to thank all of the involved parties for their work in making us feel welcome in their state, county, and community. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial stay in Leitchfield.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in Leitchfield, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved New York Blower for tax incentives up to $4.8 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. 

“I congratulate the New York Blower Company and welcome them to our community,” said Sen. Carroll Gibson, of Leitchfield. “I am sure that our great quality of life and hard work ethic will be compatible with the company’s long-term goals and I look forward to a fine working relationship.”

“Today’s announcement serves as another economic shot in the arm for Grayson County and the surrounding region,” said Rep. C.B. Embry Jr., of Morgantown. “It is my sincere hope that the 125 projected jobs this company will provide serves as another example of the outstanding business climate that Grayson County offers to industries.”

“Leitchfield was competing against other cities throughout the country and region, and after meeting with company officials I felt Leitchfield would make a great home for New York Blower,” said Leitchfield Mayor William H. Thomason. “Our community seemed to have a lot in common with the company's culture. Grayson County is well-situated for transportation and close to many large cities, and we have a lower cost of doing business than larger cities. I am very proud of our community's capability to compete for and win such a great company."

“Grayson County was very blessed to have Trim Masters in our community for many years,” said Grayson County Judge-Executive Gary Logsdon. “And now their former facility has a new life with the announcement of the New York Blower Company. The county magistrates and I are very excited about this new industry establishing operations in our community. We are willing to help in any way and extend our thanks to this great corporation.”

“TVA congratulates New York Blower Company on their decision to locate in Leitchfield, Kentucky,” said Tennessee Valley Authority Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “TVA and Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation are privileged to partner with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Leitchfield-Grayson County Industrial Development Corporation to assist New York Blower’s continued growth in Grayson County.”

For more information on New York Blower, visit www.nyb.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 Leitchfield (Grayson County) can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=010.