BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A $7.6 million investment by a Kentucky-based manufacturer of conveyor and automated sortation equipment is expected to bring 200 full-time jobs to Bowling Green. The investment is being made by Material Handling Systems Inc. (MHS), headquartered in Mt. Washington.

“Kentucky’s distribution and logistics sector – and the industries that support it – have played a vital role in our state’s ability to weather the storm of the past 10 months and position the state for future success,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “As we build back stronger, manufacturers like Material Handling Systems are key to Kentucky’s continued growth. By combining advanced technology with precision manufacturing, MHS enables logistics companies to serve the world. I welcome this great new project and the new jobs this Kentucky-grown success story will create.”

The investment includes leasing a 181,000-square-foot facility in the Kentucky Transpark, renovation and build-out costs, and new equipment. The new operation will provide steel structures for MHS to install conveyor and sortation systems.

According to a press release from Beshear's office, MHS sought the new location in response to recent and anticipated growth.

“Kentucky has been a fantastic place to grow our global business during the past 20-plus years, and we are pleased to be expanding our presence in our home state with a new facility in Bowling Green,” said MHS CEO Scott McReynolds. “Our customers are experiencing new peak demand levels, which means our products and services are also in high demand. This facility will fill an important niche in our manufacturing process and ultimately helps us better serve those customers. We appreciate the KEDFA board’s support and the warm welcome from so many of the region’s leaders, and we look forward to becoming a valued member of the local business community.”

MHS designs, produces, installs, and maintains conveyor systems, robotics, software, and other products. Founded in 1999, the company has grown to include locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and China.

Warren County Judge/Executive Mike Buchanon said MHS's investment is exciting for the area.

“This announcement is exciting news for Warren County. Material Handling Systems will further strengthen our local economy and support numerous jobs within the region,” Buchanon said. “It is a joy to see continued business interest in our community, and we are pleased to have an industry leader locate here.”

Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott said, “We welcome Material Handling Systems to Bowling Green and are confident that they will benefit from being a part of our community."

“We truly appreciate our businesses and do what we can to help them succeed," he added.

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

The agreement can provide up to $2.5 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 200 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $22.50 including benefits across those jobs.

If MHS meets the annual targets over the agreement term, it can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. MHS may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

MHS can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network, where companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training, and job training incentives.