Cabinet for Economic Development
Gov. Beshear Announces PremierTox to Expand Operations in Lexington, Add 25 Jobs

Drug screening firm to invest $250,000 in the Commonwealth

FRANKFORT Ky. (Aug. 30, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear today announced PremierTox 2.0 Inc. plans to expand operations by adding 25 jobs and investing $250,000 for equipment and improvements at its 10,000-square-foot facility in Lexington.

“The Commonwealth is proud to work with company and community officials to make this project possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “PremierTox is a tremendous asset for Lexington, with 25 new jobs on the way and an expanded resource for physicians, patients and businesses.” 

PremierTox was established in 2010 in Russell Springs, Ky. to provide drug testing. The company has grown to serve customers in seven states, including Kentucky, and offers laboratory services; patient and physician services; toxicologist and medical review officer services; on-site specimen collections; in-office placement of complete testing centers; and billing services.

“PremierTox is dedicated to improving the lives of Kentucky citizens and communities,” said PremierTox CEO Eric Duncan. “Our goal is to provide the best laboratory services available and to partner with physicians and providers. As a Kentucky business hiring Kentucky residents, PremierTox helps the Commonwealth through job creation. PremierTox also is proud to be at the forefront of the war on drugs. A stronger, healthier and happier Kentucky is a goal we all share.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in Lexington, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $200,000 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 am excited that PremierTox is making an additional investment in our community,” said Sen. Kathy Stein, of Lexington. “Our region will reap the rewards of economic growth and additional job opportunities with the expansion. PremierTox is a great corporate neighbor, and, on behalf of our community, I appreciate Gov. Beshear taking the lead to support our PremierTox employees and their families.”

“This is great news for our community and especially those families who will benefit from these jobs,” said Rep. Susan Westrom, of Lexington. “I want to thank PremierTox for making this decision to expand, and I’m happy that our state and local officials could work together with the company to help make this happen.”

“Lexington’s growing healthcare sector makes our city a great place for PremierTox to grow,” said Lexington Mayor Jim Gray. “Our citizens need these job opportunities and more. Teaming up with our local and state partners, we’ve doubled-down on Job No. 1, which is to create and attract jobs to build a Great American City through a robust brand that invites and encourages economic growth and vitality.”

“Congratulations to PremierTox,” said Bob Quick, CCE, president and CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc. “We are thrilled that they have chosen Lexington to expand and create more high-paying, high-tech jobs. We look forward to continuing our relationship with PremierTox and we hope for many successful years to come.”

For more information on PremierTox, visit www.premiertox.com. To apply for jobs, contact PremierTox at Human.Resources@PremierTox.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 Lexington (Fayette County) can be viewed at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=053.