BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2016) — BlueCotton announced today the expansion of its Bowling Green production operations to include the acquisition of a 112,000 s.f. facility to house new production lines necessary to meet growing customer demand. This expansion project will create 94 new, full-time positions in Bowling Green.
BlueCotton, a custom screen-printing and embroidery operation, was founded in 1991 by two Western Kentucky University graduates. With small beginnings in the living room of an apartment, BlueCotton opened their first retail storefront in 2009 on Broadway Avenue in Bowling Green.
“While we are experiencing exponential growth, the great thing about BlueCotton is that we are able to maintain the small company culture,” said Warren Guyer. “Our employees love the unique things we have to offer, like monthly lunches, casual dress code and family outings. These are things we absolutely love and that make working at BlueCotton so great.”
“We are excited about the new opportunities that are in front of us and we are so happy to be able to make this investment right here in our home town. Warren County gives us access to great resources and the business climate in South Central Kentucky is strong thanks to our local Chamber of Commerce as well as other community leaders. We look forward to growing our company and making a positive impact on our community,” said Mike Coffey.
“The Chamber of Commerce is excited to work with BlueCotton as they expand their production capabilities in Bowling Green and we’re delighted that they have chosen to expand their operations here,” said Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch. “We look forward to celebrating many more successes with BlueCotton in the future.”
Much of BlueCotton’s growth can be attributed to the launch of their online presence in 2003. At that time, their customer base grew substantially. Since 2003, BlueCotton’s revenue growth has averaged 20 percent each year through 2015. BlueCotton has been included on Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing private companies in America the last eight years (2008 – 2015).
“A homegrown operation such as BlueCotton is an outstanding example of success for small business owners across the United States,” stated Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. “We congratulate BlueCotton on this expansion and we look forward to them continuing to grow well into the future.”
BlueCotton has expanded twice since they originally moved to Vanderbilt Court in 1999. In 2007, they built a new facility and in 2011 they expanded their original Vanderbilt Court space.
In June, BlueCotton moved to their new space on Mitch McConnell Way in the South Central Kentucky Industrial Park. So far, the company has hired 30 of its 94 anticipated new staff members, bringing its full-time employment to approximately 80.
“BlueCotton’s business model that focuses on meeting and surpassing customer expectation is the key to their success,” said Mike Buchanon, Warren County Judge Executive. “The addition of 94 full-time positions within the company is a testament to how bright the future is for BlueCotton. We look forward to working with and helping them grow right here in Warren County.”
Today’s announcement is the 14th economic development announcement in 2016 for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for a total capital investment of $459.1 million and 673 new jobs.
In 2014, BlueCotton Founder and CEO Mike Coffey was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, BlueCotton received an Expansion Award honoring this project at the Chamber’s 2016 Targeted Business and Industry Awards Banquet.
For more information about BlueCotton, visit their website at www.bluecotton.com.
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