Area Development
Carhartt Inc. will invest at least $11 million in its Hopkins County, KY, warehouse to improve operational efficiencies and energy conservation, announced Gov. Steve Beshear. The project will allow the company to retain its existing workforce of 550 employees and add about 150 more associates by year-end 2012.

Headquartered in Dearborn, MI, Carhartt is a 122-year-old, family-owned manufacturer of clothing and other accessories which has operated in Kentucky for over 80 years. The reinvestment project, expected to be complete by 2014, will upgrade technology, equipment and conveyor systems at its facility located in the city of Hanson.

"As long-time corporate residents of Kentucky, we're proud of our partnership with the Commonwealth. Investing both financially and environmentally in the Hopkins County community is an essential part of our overall growth strategy," said Carhartt's CEO Linda Hubbard. "Our investment is also a testament to the hard work of our employees. We are fortunate to have such a skilled, dedicated workforce in our Hanson distribution center and are looking forward to future growth in Kentucky."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $3 million through the Kentucky Reinvestment Act.

"We are very proud that several years ago Carhartt chose our community to locate its distribution center," said Hanson Mayor Charles Young. "Since becoming part of our community, they have been willing to help us with numerous projects. During the difficult economic times that our state and nation has experienced, we feel very fortunate for the jobs that are being created with this investment project and the major enhancement it will be to the City of Hanson, Hopkins County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky."