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New residential, commercial fans driving ‘big’ growth at Big Ass Fans

Company has sold its 100,000th fan

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 11, 2013) — The Big Ass Fan Co. has sold its 100,000th fan, a milestone driven largely by the 14-year-old company’s recent entrance and rapid growth in residential and commercial markets.

Big Ass Fans' Isis model is installed at Bells Brewery in Galesburg, Mich.
Big Ass Fans’ Isis model is installed at Bells Brewery in Galesburg, Mich.

“Big Ass Fans initially focused on keeping industrial buildings comfortable, but our customers consistently told us they wanted smaller versions of our fans for their homes, churches or favorite restaurants,” said Carey Smith, founder and CEO. “We’ve engineered innovative and eye-catching fans that bring our reputation of energy efficiency and quality into every space.”

Big Ass Fans entered the commercial market, which includes health clubs, restaurants and hotels, in 2008 with the 12- to 20-ft. diameter Element fan and followed that a year later with the 8- to 12-ft. Isis, suitable for both homes and businesses. In 2012, the company launched the 60-inch Haiku, the reinvention of the residential ceiling fan that has won 11 international design awards. Haiku features a motor with nearly twice the efficiency of typical ceiling fans, and was recognized by ENERGY STAR as the world’s most efficient residential ceiling fan.

“With its sleek appearance and groundbreaking technology, Haiku is the newest evidence that behind the quirky name is a company serious about innovation,” Smith said. “We look forward to bringing more innovation into the commercial and residential markets.”

Big Ass Fans has become a major employer and economic player in Central Kentucky. Between 2009 and 2012, the company’s annual revenue increased from $34 million to $87 million, and the number of employees nearly tripled to 350 individuals.

 

A worker assembles fans at Big Ass Fans in Lexington, Ky.
A worker assembles fans at Big Ass Fans in Lexington, Ky.