ELKTON, Ky. — A $1.6 million expansion in Elkton is expected to create 50 full-time, Kentucky-resident jobs in the coming years.

As part of the expansion, DDS Glass Doors LLC relocated to a larger facility in the southern Kentucky city. The facility will become fully operational in January.

“This coming year is going to be all about building a better, economically stronger Kentucky, and DDS Glass Doors’ growth serves as an encouraging example of what’s possible across our commonwealth,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The commitment DDS has shown to growing its operations in Kentucky and providing our families with quality opportunities is something I deeply appreciate. I congratulate the company and look forward to its continued development in Todd County in the years to come.”

Company leaders purchased a 96,000-square-foot building on Industrial Drive in October to house the expanded operations. The expansion includes additional equipment, workstations, and conveyor lines.

Of the new jobs expected from the expansion, most will be production positions in addition to some supervisory roles.

“DDS Glass Doors continues to grow rapidly and is exceeding our growth expectations,” said DDS Glass Doors owner and CEO Dr. Steve Williams. “2021 is already setting up to continue this rapid growth and be another record year for our company. This increased demand brings with it an increased need for production workers. We are excited to be able to offer good-paying jobs and benefits to this area.”

DDS Glass Doors, founded in 2018, produces and distributes medium-and low-temperature glass doors for coolers and freezers used at convenience and grocery stores. 

The company also makes beer cave doors, surface-mount doors, and viewing windows. As well, it sells retrofit LED lights for glass display doors, shelving, and other door accessories.

Elkton Mayor Arthur Green called the expansion "great news for the city."

“The City of Elkton is excited about the expansion of DDS Glass Doors into their new facility on Industrial Drive as great news for the city,” Green said. “DDS Glass Doors has been a great corporate partner, and we are confident that the new Elkton location will greatly expand their influence in our community and support their continued growth as they take advantage of our awesome workforce, highway accessibility and award winning quality of life. The City Council and I extend our congratulations to DDS Glass Doors, its leadership and all involved.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program.

The agreement can provide up to $1 million in tax incentives based on the company's $1.6 million investment and annual targets of: 

• Creation and maintenance of 50 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $23 including benefits across those jobs.

If the company meets the annual targets over the agreement term, DDS Glass Doors is eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company can also claim eligible incentives against its tax liability and/or wage assessments. 

DDS Glass Doors can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network, which provides no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training, and job training incentives.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.