PADUCAH, Ky. — HHO Carbon Clean Systems LLC announced it will locate its first Kentucky operation in McCracken County, with a $6.65 million investment creating 35 full-time jobs in the coming years.
HHO makes hydrogen-based carbon cleaning systems for diesel engines and torches used for heating, welding, brazing, and cutting. The project investment will support the construction of a manufacturing facility at a location to be determined in the Paducah area as leaders at the company expand the production of mobile carbon cleaning systems that improve the fuel efficiency of diesel engines and introduce a new product line of hydrogen-based torches. HHO’s patent-pending torches provide a safer alternative to traditional acetylene torches, which require storage of compressed gas and can emit harmful greenhouse gases.
Additionally, leaders at HHO are in the early stages of developing hydrogen-powered generators for passenger vehicles that will help to lower emissions and increase fuel mileage. Also, through a strategic partnership with an industrial heating and air conditioning provider, HHO is developing generators that work in tandem with solar arrays to provide heating and cooling services to homes with zero emissions.
“We see ourselves as the leading on-demand hydrogen solutions company in the country, not only tackling the challenges of automotive maintenance and repair but also offering effective solutions where fuel costs have simply become untenable,” said HHO founder Jared English. “HHO’s products and services offer increased fuel mileage, cost savings on replacement and repair, decreased emissions, and safe alternatives to compressed combustibles. We are excited to continue our growth while offering opportunities to Western Kentucky.”
Dean Owen, co-owner of HHO, added that the project will have a positive impact in the commonwealth.
“We are utilizing hydrogen to reduce fuel consumption and maintenance cost by material amounts. I see firsthand how consumers are struggling with increased fuel costs and the strain it makes on their budget,” Owen said. “Utilizing the Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI) program, we are creating good-paying jobs and revolutionizing an industry using green technology that helps eliminate greenhouse gases and many other EPA and OSHA concerns. A lot of people talk about using green technology, in Western Kentucky, we are doing so.”
English began the business in his garage in Metropolis, Illinois, when he recognized issues related to carbon buildup in diesel engines, which resulted in damage and the need for expensive diesel exhaust systems. Using carbon cleaning technology powered by hydrogen, HHO currently provides a mobile service that offers owners of diesel-powered vehicles better fuel economy, improved performance, and lower maintenance costs. HHO has grown to include five franchises across the United States, three of which were established earlier this month.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $600,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $6.65 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 35 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $27.50 including benefits across those jobs.
Additionally, KEDFA approved the company for up to $50,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.
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, HHO can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. These include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
Click here for more Kentucky business news.
