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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Hines Furlong Line Expands Paducah, Kentucky, Operations

12/19/2025
Hines Furlong Line, a marine transportation and logistics services company, plans to expand its operations in Paducah, Kentucky. The approximately $11 million project is expected to create 50 jobs in McCracken County.

The investment will include the renovation of the company’s existing facility and the construction of a new 15,000-square-foot building which will feature expanded office space.

“This expansion positions Hines Furlong Line for our next chapter of growth,” said Kent Furlong, president and founder of Hines Furlong Line. “The partnership between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and local leaders has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and we’re grateful for their collaboration as we invest in the facilities, training and operational capabilities that will carry our industry and Kentucky’s economic growth forward.”

To support the project the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) 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 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $10.7 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 50 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and paying an average hourly wage of $42.82 including benefits across those jobs.

“One of Kentucky’s greatest assets is its natural resources and waterways, making our maritime transportation and logistics operations one of the best in the country,” noted Governor Andy Beshear. “When quality companies like Hines Furlong Line choose to reinvest in themselves and their communities, it plays a critical role in propelling our state’s economy forward. This is a welcome investment in the Western Kentucky region that will provide 50 high-paying jobs for the local workforce. I am looking forward to HFL’s continued and long-term success.”

KEDFA also approved HFL for additional 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. 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.

“The additional investment underscores Hines Furlong’s commitment to growing inland waterway transportation with Paducah, McCracken County being a strategic partner,” added Bruce Wilcox, president and CEO of Greater Paducah Economic Development. “This additional investment and commitment to grow in Paducah strengthens Paducah’s presence even more in the maritime industry while also complementing Paducah’s community development plan. We are thrilled to see a family-owned company like Hines Furlong succeed and continue to invest in our community.”

Hines Furlong Line (HFL) is an inland river transportation company, offering barge & towboat leasing, chartering, and fleeting services.

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