Somerset, Ky. – Wisconsin-based Menzer Hardwoods announced plans to expand into south-central Kentucky.
The hardwood molding company will invest $2.65 million into the project and create 90 jobs.
Under its incorporated name, Menzner Lumber and Supply Co., the company will lease land and buildings in Somerset that had previously served as the home of Glen Oak Lumber. The four buildings totaling 195,000 square feet will serve as rough mill, molding, priming paint line and sawdust processing facilities. The additional space will allow the business to grow beyond the production constraints the company faces at its primary location.
“Menzner Lumber is extremely excited by the opportunity to expand our operations into Kentucky,” said Phil Menzner, president of Menzner Hardwoods. “Menzner Lumber was founded in 1894 and is still a family business, and our longevity can only be credited to great employees. The availability of high-quality people, timber resource and central location make Kentucky an excellent location to help us continue our growth. It is clear Kentucky is very business friendly and willing to help wherever it can. I want to thank the state of Kentucky, Pulaski County and the community of Somerset for all of their assistance. We look forward to a very long partnership with Kentucky.”
Menzner Lumber and Supply Co. has grown to become a leader in the hardwood molding industry. The company currently has 350 employees across three states. Divisions of Menzner Lumber include the hardwood and transportation headquarters in Wisconsin and kiln drying facilities in Mississippi and South Carolina.
“The announcement by Menzner Hardwoods to locate in Somerset providing up to 90 new jobs and an investment of $2.6 million is outstanding,” said Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler. “I want to thank Menzner and Gov. Beshear for their confidence in the Somerset and Pulaski County community and the excellent workers and their families that will benefit from the new jobs.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1 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.
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