SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. — Local officials and leaders from Shady Rays, a national leader in lifestyle and adventure eyewear, celebrated opening of the company’s new corporate headquarters and fulfillment and distribution warehouse in Simpsonville.
“The commonwealth’s economic momentum is showing no signs of slowing down, and that is largely due to Kentucky companies continuing to expand in our communities,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Shady Rays is a quality company that provides great job opportunities for Shelby County, and I am thrilled to celebrate this exciting next step. I want to thank Shady Rays and its leadership team for continuing to invest and believe in what this great state has to offer.”
Shady Rays’ new facility will consist of a 69,000-s.f. fulfillment and distribution center and a 6,000-s.f. office space to serve as the company’s corporate headquarters in Simpsonville Commons. This new location nearly triples the company’s previous footprint in Shelby County, formerly operating out of two facilities in the Kingbrook Commerce Park. The larger fulfillment center will include upgraded technology for improved efficiency, with the new office space hosting additional workspaces, a showroom for product display and an outdoor patio. The added space will allow Shady Rays to be more efficient, fill significantly more orders and meet growing customer demand across the United States and around the world.
“As we stand before our new corporate headquarters and fulfillment center, I am overwhelmed with pride,” saidShady Rays founder and CEO Chris Ratterman. “This space is not just a physical manifestation of our growth, but a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. It symbolizes our commitment to innovation, customer service and community. Today marks a milestone in our journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Shady Rays was founded in 2012 to provide polarized sunglasses built for high visibility and durable construction. The company’s leaders are dedicated to giving back to the communities in which their employees work and live, making a difference through their Shady Rays Impact initiative. The total number of Shady Rays’ employees fluctuates throughout the year, with the spring and summer being the company’s peak seasons. The company currently has 95 full-time employees, with 63 of those positions held by Kentuckians.
Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison explained that the project is the perfect fit between the company and the community: “It is fitting that Shady Rays, one of the fastest-growing lifestyle eyewear brands, would call Shelby County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the commonwealth, home. Shady Rays’ commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and commitment to our community is the foundation for this commendable achievement, and we look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.”
Simpsonville Mayor Ronnie Sowder is thrilled to see Shady Rays grow and continue making a difference in the community: “We are excited to see Shady Rays make such a huge expansion and commitment to our city! We look forward to what they have in store and the economic impact it will make in our community.”
Simpsonville City Commissioner Kelland L. Garland noted the company’s commitment to the community: “The city of Simpsonville is excited to see Shady Rays making an investment in our community by expanding their HQ and creating local jobs for our citizens. Shady Rays is a model business for American ingenuity and self-driven entrepreneurship. We are honored to have an outstanding business choose to call Simpsonville home, and we are proud of their efforts to give back to the local community and organizations that do good around the world.”
Shelbyville Mayor Troy Ethington is excited to see the company’s continued success in the region: “Shady Rays continues to be an economic asset for Shelby County by providing quality, well-paying jobs and benefits for the workers in our community. The company’s success doesn’t stop with an excellent product and exemplary customer service. Its business model ensures a commitment to give back both locally and globally with each purchase of their sunglasses. Shady Rays is exactly the kind of business we encourage to come to our town. I wish Shady Rays and the city of Simpsonville continued success and prosperity.”
Charlie Clabaugh, training coordinator for the Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation (SCIDF), congratulated the company on behalf of the group: “The Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation is always proud to see plans for growth and success become reality. We congratulate the Shady Rays team for their hard work and dedication that made this expansion possible.”
