Whayne Supply Celebrates Grand Opening of New Bowling Green Facility

Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com         
    
BOWLING GREEN, KY - Company and community leaders joined together today in Bowling Green to commemorate the grand opening of Whayne Supply Company's newest branch office, located at 390 High Rail Way.  The 65,000 square-foot facility will house the company's heavy equipment operation, replacing its existing branch on U.S. Hwy 31W Bypass.

"Whayne Supply has a long history of success in Kentucky and in this region, starting in Bowling Green in 1954," said Monty Boyd, president and CEO of Whayne Supply Company. "Our success comes from our first-class business services and our commitment to our customers.  This is why we're able to witness this expansion today with this new state-of-the-art facility."

The expansion will create 15 additional employment opportunities, bringing total employment up to 60.  Currently, the Bowling Green branch is a primary source for equipment, parts and service for multiple markets in a 19-county area, reaching from Christian to Adair Counties.

"South Central Kentucky continues to be a great place to do business," said Brian Cambron, vice president of branch operations for Whayne Supply Company. "As the region has grown, we've been able to grow with it, and we're very fortunate to have such loyal customers. We look forward to continuing to serve this region at our new facility."

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved Whayne Supply Company for tax benefits up to $133,384 under the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, an incentive program that allows approved companies to recoup sales and use tax on the cost of construction materials, building fixtures and equipment used for research and development.

"Kentucky is pleased to partner with a Kentucky-grown business that has been an outstanding corporate citizen for nearly a century," said George Burgess, commissioner of Existing Business for the Cabinet for Economic Development. "We are proud to play a role in this expansion project, and will continue to work with Whayne Supply Company for years to come."

Whayne Supply Company is one of the oldest and largest heavy equipment dealerships in North America.  The company was founded in 1913 by Roy Co. Whayne, Sr. in Louisville, Ky.  Seven years later the Kentucky-based company began representing the Holt Manufacturing Company, and in 1925, Holt merged with Best Company to create Caterpillar Tractor Company.

"It's a great day in South Central Kentucky when we can celebrate the opening of a new, expanded business," said Warren County Judge-Executive Michael Buchanon.  "We're thankful for Whayne Supply's commitment to our region, and we wish them much success at their new location."

"With more than 50 years of history in Bowling Green, Whayne Supply remains a strong contributor to the growth of our entire region," said Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker.  "We congratulate them on their new facility and expanded operations, and we look forward to watching them grow."

Doug Gorman, chair of the Bowling Green Chamber Board of Directors, said, "Whayne Supply has been a Chamber partner for more than 40 years. Their longstanding partnership demonstrates that this company is proud to be a part of the Bowling Green community. Congratulations to Whayne Supply for their new and expanded facilities."

A community profile for Warren County can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=067.

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2007 totaled over $2.3 billion with the creation of more than 13,800 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.