FRANKFORT, Ky. — Software and IT services provider United Systems and Software Inc. broke ground on its new $5.3 million headquarters in Marshall County, expected to create 50 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to the strong economic growth resulting from Kentucky’s business-friendly practices,” Gov. Matt Bevin said. “This marks an exciting next step toward United Systems and Software’s commitment to create high-quality, good-paying jobs in West Kentucky. We congratulate the company on this milestone and look forward to future successes.”
State and local leaders joined company executives and employees in celebrating today at the site of United’s planned 20,000-square-foot operations center and headquarters in Benton’s Southwest One Industrial Park. Company leaders expect the move to help increase production, bolster United’s services and fuel further growth. Officials anticipate completion by May 2020.
“We’re looking forward to relocating to our new offices in Southwest One Industrial Park during this exciting time,” said Scott Waldrop, president of United Systems. “As we continue our growth, the new facility will enable us to accommodate our current and future expansion.”
In September 2018, United announced its plans to relocate from its current Benton office on Ash Street to Southwest One, making it the nascent industrial park’s first tenant. The company is expanding in Marshall County 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.
United currently employs 46, and has operated in Marshall County since 1977. The company specializes in software development, IT services for utilities and local government, and managed services for small to medium businesses. Its portfolio of services enables utilities and local government to safely and effectively deliver critical services to consumers across 13 states.
Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, said he is happy to see the new facility construction begin.
“It’s great to see that this project is finally breaking ground in Marshall County,” Carroll said. “I’m appreciative United Systems’ continued investment in our community and the boost this expansion will give to our local economy.”
Rep. Chris Freeland, R- Benton, said United will continue to provide significant benefits to the region through this expansion.
“This is wonderful news for our community. We can look forward to 50 new high-paying, full-time jobs coming into our area, and United Systems and Software is a tremendous asset and community partner,” Freeland said. “These are the kind of jobs that fuel the economy of tomorrow.”
Benton Mayor Rita Dotson said the project’s groundbreaking is encouraging for the city.
“The City of Benton is excited to see the groundbreaking for United Systems & Software at Southwest One Industrial Park,” Dotson said. “We’re looking forward to the development and to the creation of jobs in our community.”
Marshall County judge-executive Kevin Neal congratulated the company and said he anticipates more success in the future.
“We are excited to welcome United Systems & Software to Marshall County’s Southwest One Industrial Park and congratulate them on their groundbreaking today,” Neal said. “We look forward to the company’s continued success in our community.”
Josh Tubbs, president of Kentucky Lake Economic Development, said the project’s groundbreaking is great news for both the company and the region.
“Today was an exciting day for Marshall County, Kentucky, as United Systems & Software broke ground on their new expansion and headquarters in Southwest One Industrial Park,” Tubbs said. “Congratulations to Scott Waldrop, the United Systems & Software team and to the Marshall County community on a great day!”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in September 2018 preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $5.3 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 50 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years, and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $45 including benefits across those jobs.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company 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.
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.
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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