FRANKFORT, Ky. — With the help of $1.4 million in state incentives, patio furniture makers, Gracious Living KY Inc. plans to expand its operations in Butler County with a nearly $9.8 million investment that will create 50 new full-time jobs.
The company manufactures products such as patio furniture, storage containers, laundry baskets, shelving and recreational products. Expanding its Butler County facility will allow them to manufacture patio furniture, which should be complete by the end of 2025.
Yahoo Finance reported in August 2023 that Gracious Living, a Canadian manufacturer of proprietary and contract plastic products based in Vaughan, Ontario, had acquired an injection molding operation in Morgantown, Ky., thatincludes a 160,000-s.f. facility on 12 acres an hour north of Nashville.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in March preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1.43 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $9.78 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 50 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $26.37 including benefits across those jobs.
Additionally, KEDFA approved Gracious Living KY for up to $70,000 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, Gracious Living KY can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
“The momentum we are experiencing across the commonwealth is not possible without growth from our largest industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “Manufacturing has long been essential to Kentucky’s economy, and with continued investment from companies like Gracious Living KY, we are setting up the state for long-term success. I want to thank the leaders at Gracious Living for their continued commitment to the commonwealth, and I look forward to seeing the company’s success in Morgantown.
“We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to expand in a state with hard-working citizens and a supportive government stance on economic growth,” said Charles Kida, vice president of finance at Gracious Living. “The Morgantown site offers an ideal location due to its strategic position for distribution. Gracious Living looks forward to establishing its first presence in the United States through this expansion initiative. This move represents a significant step in the company’s growth strategy.”
Established in 1989, Gracious Living is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer products known for its innovative and high-quality items including patio furniture, storage containers, laundry baskets, shelving and recreational products.
Butler County Judge/Executive Tim Flener mentioned the expansion’s impact on the community: “This expansion marks a significant milestone for Gracious Living and for the community of Morgantown. We are proud to support Gracious Living as they continue to grow, bringing more jobs and opportunities to our residents and our community.”
Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps expressed enthusiasm for the project: “Gracious Living’s decision to expand here is a testament to the strength of our local workforce and the quality of life in Morgantown. We look forward to their continued success and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
Ron Bunch, CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the economic benefits of the expansion: “Gracious Living’s investment is a significant boost to our local economy and reinforces our region’s reputation as a leading destination for manufacturing. The creation of 50 new jobs is a major win for Morgantown, promising a brighter future for many residents.”
