Area Development
A firm the creates industrial ventilation systems, Halton Group is planning to invest $3.7 million to expand its headquarters and R&D Center in Scottsville, Kentucky.

Formed in Finland in 1969, Halton Group produces industrial ventilation systems used throughout North America. The company established in Kentucky in 1989, where it currently employs 180 people.

Halton Group currently operates a manufacturing facility in Scottsville, with the company’s headquarters located in the small business accelerator at Western Kentucky University. The company is growing to the point where it plans to move out of the incubator and build its own standalone headquarters next to the manufacturing operation. The company will build a new research and development facility on its Allen County campus. Construction on the headquarters and R&D center will begin this summer and is expected to be operational early next year.

“We are always pleased to see our operations expand,” said Mika Halttunen, Halton’s Chairman of the board. “The atmosphere of cooperation that the Commonwealth of Kentucky provides and the willingness of the local city and county officials to work with established companies make investments into our growth more sound and prudent, both for the company and the community.”

“It is an important part of our strategy that each of our units is a good, responsible corporate citizen,” said Halton CEO Heikki Rinne. “Working with and giving back to the community is ingrained in our corporate thought process.”

“I would like to thank the state, county and local authorities for their cooperation and their part in our growth over the years,” said Rick Bagwell, Halton’s president of the Americas. “The cooperation and working relationship with the local Allen County-Scottsville Industrial Development Authority, the county judge and the mayor makes Scottsville a great place to live and work.”

As an incentive to encourage the investment and job creation, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved the company for tax incentives up to $100,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. The program allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.

Halton Group also received support from the Kentucky Innovation Network. A statewide network of 13 offices, the Kentucky Innovation Network helps small businesses at any stage. In addition, Halton Group is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced cost customized training and job training incentives.

“The fact that Halton Group is not only growing its headquarters, but also adding more research and development capabilities, shows the level of success that international companies discover in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “I want to thank the company for investing in the state and helping build our economy.”