Area Development
Vanderbilt Chemicals will invest $13.7 million to increase the output of its production plant in Calloway County, Kentucky. The facility produces additive compounds for numerous industries.

The facility provides dried, purified and finished smectite and bentonite clay used in pharmaceutical, personal care, agri-science, ceramics, household items and other products. Vanderbilt’s expansion in West Kentucky includes the addition of a new spray drying system and a new building to house this equipment. Company executives expect to complete the project in early 2019. Currently, the company employs 97 people at the Murray facility.

“Vanderbilt Chemicals has long enjoyed being a part of this great and growing community,” said Richard Davis, vice president at the Murray operation. “The support from local officials, neighbors and the commonwealth has been an important part of the decision to further expand our operations in this area and provide additional employment opportunities for people in our area.”

“This growth by Vanderbilt Chemicals is evidence that a key Kentucky industry continues to flourish,” said Governor Matt Bevin. “In today’s world, the chemicals industry fundamentally supports our daily lives, and Kentucky is proud that companies like Vanderbilt, a member of our corporate community since 1969, choose to locate and prosper here. I wish the company well going forward and hope to see even more growth in the future.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in May approved Vanderbilt for up to $100,000 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. In addition, Vanderbilt can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network.