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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Omnis Building Technologies Ashland Plans Greenup County, Kentucky, Operations

05/31/2022
Omnis Building Technologies Ashland, a startup manufacturer of economical, sustainable and fire-resistant doors and cabinetry, will establish a new facility at the Wurtland Riverport in Greenup County, Kentucky. The $45.5 million project is expected to create 55 jobs.

The 100,000-square-foot facility will manufacture doors and cabinets which will be available wholesale but primarily used inside OBT’s own energy-efficient homes, made with panels called Composite Insulated Building Units (CIBUs). The CIBUs are to be produced at a facility in Bluefield, West Virginia, which will complement the Kentucky location.

“We are excited to expand our presence in Appalachia and to bring family-sustaining jobs to Kentucky by manufacturing revolutionary products to assist in solving the nation’s housing crisis,” said Jonathan Hodson, president of OBT. “Our collaboration with successful local businesses like Wright Concrete is ensuring our mission will be achieved.”

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $2.1 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $45.5 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 55 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and paying an average hourly wage of $33 including benefits across those jobs.

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.

“We are working to create economic opportunities and quality jobs in every region of the state, and this investment by OBT Ashland in Greenup County helps move us toward that goal,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “I am thrilled the company’s leaders see the great advantages of locating in this community, and I look forward to OBT’s growth in Northeast Kentucky for years to come.”

In addition, the company 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.

“Great day to be in Greenup County and Northeast Kentucky,” added Tim Gibbs, president and CEO of the Ashland Alliance. “The world is finding talent and opportunity in our community and people.”

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