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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

UniFirst Expands Owensboro, Kentucky, Distribution Operations

02/01/2025
Uniform rental company UniFirst Corporation plans to expand its distribution and fulfillment operations in Owensboro, Kentucky.

The $28 million project includes the upgrade and expansion of the company’s existing 360,000-square-foot facility.

“Serving our customers remains our top priority, and this expansion strengthens our ability to meet their needs with quality and responsiveness,” said Steven Sintros, UniFirst president and CEO. “At the same time, we’re proud to continue our more than 20-year relationship with the Owensboro community and support the state’s manufacturing excellence.”

To support the project the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved UniFirst for up to $250,000 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.

“The commonwealth’s manufacturing industry continues to grow, leading the way for our thriving economy and providing opportunities for families across Kentucky,” noted Governor Andy Beshear. “UniFirst’s choice to expand in Owensboro is a testament to our state’s talented workforce and notable resources. I want to thank company leadership for their commitment to our great state and look forward to UniFirst’s continued success here in Kentucky.”

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, UniFirst 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.

“It has been a pleasure to work with UniFirst on this expansion project over the last twelve months,” added Claude Bacon, CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. “Their continued commitment to our community is both appreciated and valued. This investment reinforces their confidence in Owensboro and Daviess County as a prime location for growth, and we look forward to their continued success.”

UniFirst Corporation provides customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services. The company currently operates three manufacturing facilities.

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