By Nicole Childress, Building Kentucky
In December 2020, a Campbellsville hardware facility was consumed by a devastating fire. More than 100 employees were left out of work and the facility was deemed a “total loss” with only 20,000 of the 120,000-square-foot business salvageable.
Wholesale Hardwood Interiors Inc. (WHI) promised to come back better than ever, and they’re already back in operation. Plus, WHI is committing to rebuilding the facility and creating new jobs.
The Future Of Wholesale Hardwood Interiors
Governor Andy Beshear recently announced that the company plans to invest $7.1 million and create 100 full-time jobs, restoring the operation and adding additional space for recent and future growth.
WHI will fully re-establish production with the construction of a facility at the same location on the Campbellsville Bypass. Company leaders anticipate the facility to be functional immediately and fully operational within 12 to 18 months.
“In Kentucky, we’re proud of our ability to persevere and overcome difficult times. We’ve all had to do it time and time again over the past few months,” Gov. Beshear said. “No project represents that dedication more than this investment by Wholesale Hardwood Interiors in Campbellsville.”
WHI has been in operation since 1985 and provides high-quality interior wood products, such as mouldings, custom millwork, doors and stair parts. The company has 12 offices in four states employing 85 people plus a 30-person sales staff. The headquarters in Taylor County includes the company’s office, warehouse and manufacturing business.
“Campbellsville is so excited about WHI’s rebuilding project,” Campbellsville Mayor Brenda Allen said. “Keeping those skilled, hardworking jobs, and hopefully the potential for expansion in the future will be good for our local economy.”
Creating Good Kentucky Jobs
In January, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1.8 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $7.1 million and annual targets of creating and maintaining 100 full-time jobs that pay an average of $21 per hour including benefits.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, WHI can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
Additionally, KEDFA approved WHI or up to $200,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). WHI also can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network which provides low or no-cost recruitment and training.
“Wholesale Hardwood Interiors Inc. has built its success and reputation upon dedication to high standards of quality, service and integrity,” said WHI President Mike Judd. “We are truly grateful for all of the assistance that we have received and are continuing to receive. This assistance, along with a truly dedicated group of employees and sales representatives, ensures that the best is yet to come.”
