FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum within Kentucky’s manufacturing sector as Crown Verity USA Inc., a Canadian-owned grill and cookware maker, will expand its operation in Warren County with a $9.7 million investment, creating 73 quality Kentucky jobs.
“Kentucky’s business-friendly ecosystem, prime location and access to resources make it an ideal destination for companies to locate, expand and thrive,” said Gov. Beshear. “The decision by Crown Verity’s leadership to not only expand here but also consolidate the company’s fabrication operation in Kentucky is a testament to their trust and belief in what this great state has to offer. I want to thank the company’s leaders and wish Crown Verity continued success in Bowling Green.”
The expansion will see Crown Verity increase its manufacturing capabilities and consolidate its fabrication operations to the Bowling Green location. The project will expand the facility by 5,000 square feet, which will bring the total operational space of the building to 65,000 square feet and allow for additional equipment and workers.
“Crown Verity is excited to grow alongside the Bowling Green community. We are very appreciative of all the support from the state and local community,” said Andy Incitti, Crown Verity president. “Crown Verity started as a small distribution company, and now, over 32 years later, it’s grown to become one of the best outdoor grill manufacturers in the world, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition in Bowling Green.”
Crown Verity USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Crown Verity Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performing outdoor commercial and residential cooking equipment that is based in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. The company has served the American and Canadian foodservice, industrial and home markets since 1990.
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott looks forward to the company’s increased business and continued partnership with the community: “We celebrate with Crown Verity on this new facility expansion. Crown Verity’s global footprint is seen right here in Bowling Green; we are proud to have them here and are excited for their continued investment and growth.”
Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman noted the positive impact the project will have on Bowling Green and the surrounding region: “This expansion will have a great economic impact in Southcentral Kentucky. We are grateful for businesses like Crown Verity that continue to invest in our community and our economy.”
Ron Bunch, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, welcomes the company’s expansion and new job opportunities it will bring to the area: “It’s always exciting when a first-class company like Crown Verity surpasses their initial investment and job creation here in Bowling Green. The impact an additional 73 full-time jobs will have on Warren County will improve the quality of life for many in our community.”
Crown Verity’s investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $28.7 billion in announced investments, creating 51,265 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $591 million investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.
Site Selection magazine placed Kentucky first in the South Central region and top 5 nationally in its 2023 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear has also announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in October 2023 preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1.5 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $9.7 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 73 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $44, including benefits across those jobs.
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, Crown Verity 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.
For more information on Crown Verity, visit crownverity.com.
A detailed community profile for Warren County can be viewed here.
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