FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Matt Bevin today announced United Systems and Software Inc., a software and IT services provider for utilities and local governments, will expand its operation in Marshall County with a $5.3 million investment expected to create 50 high-paying, full-time jobs.
“United Systems and Software provides vital support to clients serving communities throughout Kentucky and several other states, and we are excited about this expansion of their headquarters in Marshall County,” Gov. Bevin said. “The company is creating more high-quality job opportunities that will greatly benefit the citizens of West Kentucky. We are grateful for United’s commitment to the commonwealth and wish them continued success and growth in the years ahead.”
United will build its new headquarters in a 20,000-square-foot facility in Benton’s newly announced Southwest One Industrial Park, relocating from its current Ash Street office. The company decided to expand in Benton thanks to steady growth and its release of new software expected to drive further growth. In addition to the new facility, United’s investment will include new office and electronic equipment. The company currently employs 36 and has operated in Marshall County since 1981.
“We have been steadily growing as a company and have expanded beyond capacity at our current location. We are looking to grow even more as we expand nationally. So, we began looking at various options,” said Scott Waldrop, president of United. “After discussing options with the local officials, we started looking at staying in Benton and in particular at the Southwest One site. Upon visiting the site and discussing the benefits of this location, we felt that it fit well with our objectives and are excited to be the first business to locate at Southwest One. We’re looking forward to being the first of many businesses to locate and help expand economic opportunities in Marshall County.”
United, founded in 1977, provides technical services and specializes in software development and IT for utilities and local government clients. The company serves more than 1,000 customers across 13 states. United is recognized as a Microsoft Certified Partner, Hewlett-Packard Partner and an Itron Business Partner.
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is investing $307,000 to help Marshall County purchase 300 acres for the Southwest One Industrial Park.
“DRA’s investment in Benton is one example of how our investments in Kentucky’s infrastructure will enhance business growth and job development in the commonwealth,” said DRA Chairman Chris Caldwell. “We are investing a total of $1.5 million to help create more than 200 new jobs in western Kentucky.”
Sen. Danny Carroll, of Paducah, said the expansion is great news for the local workforce.
“This expansion is great news for our community,” Sen. Carroll said. “The addition of 50 new full-time jobs will help our local economy continue to grow and thrive. I would like to thank United Systems and Software for continuing to choose Marshall County to conduct their business.”
Rep. Will Coursey, of Benton, noted the significance in the ability to attract and grow tech companies in Kentucky.
“United Systems and Software’s decision to expand operations as it moves into our county’s new industrial park is great news for everyone involved,” Rep. Coursey said. “I want to thank the company’s leaders for making this decision and have been proud to work with other state and local officials and to support such legislation as the Kentucky Reinvestment Act to make announcements like this possible. Expanding our region’s share of the high-tech industry has long been a goal of mine.”
Benton Mayor Rita Dotson congratulated the company on its new location.
“We are very excited at the news of United Systems and Software’s location in Southwest One Industrial Park,” Mayor Dotson said. “Their new facility will be a great addition to our community and the jobs created are a great boost to our local economy. Congratulations on your announcement!”
Marshall County Judge-Executive Kevin Neal said the company’s recommitment to the community reiterates a long-term corporate partnership.
“Marshall County is excited to announce United Systems and Software’s location in Southwest One Industrial Park,” Judge-Executive Neal said. “Their decision to expand in our community, invest in our new industrial park development and add additional good paying jobs speaks volumes to the commitment the company has to our future success as a community. This announcement also sends a clear message moving forward that we are open for business in Marshall County, Kentucky.”
Josh Tubbs, director of Kentucky Lake Economic Development, said the company is the right fit as the first occupant of the new industrial park.
“Congratulations to United System and Software and their employees on their recent announcement to expand into a beautiful new facility in Marshall County’s Southwest One Industrial Park development,” Tubbs said. “It is always exciting to see an existing industry invest in the community and continue to create opportunity for our workforce.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday 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 agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, United can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on United Systems and Software, visit www.United-Systems.com.
A detailed community profile for Marshall County can be viewed here.
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