There are several factors responsible for the successful businesses
in Todd County. One is the commitment of county leaders to helping
businesses succeed through new industrial parks, low energy prices
and low overall business prices. The highly skilled work force present
in the county makes it a great place to set up shop. With plenty of
room to grow and develop, companies in the county know it’s a
perfect place to have their goods manufactured.
Kentucky has the seventh-lowest overall business cost in the nation,
and Todd County is no exception. The state also boasts the 13th-highest
gross state product per wage and the lowest state cost for industrial
power. Todd County has a lower unemployment rate than the U.S. average,
but there are still plenty of skilled professionals waiting to help
your business succeed. In addition, the State of Kentucky has several
incentive programs to help new and expanding businesses in the region,
such as the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation, the Kentucky Jobs
Development Act and the Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act. All
of these aspects add up to a great place to do business.
Recently, the Elkton-Todd County Industrial Foundation completed a
new industrial park near the city of Elkton. This 120-acre park is
located directly on the new four-lane Highway 68-80. There are new
water lines and a 341,000-gallon water storage tank on the property;
lots will be sold in 10-acre or larger parcels sized to suit the needs
of the company. There are also two industrial sites in Guthrie and
one additional park in Elkton.
The new industrial park is not the only addition in Todd County. In
May of 2003, Hopkinsville Wood Products announced the location of
its newest manufacturing facility in Elkton. Since the year 2000,
six existing industries in Todd County have expanded their operations,
investing approximately $20 million in the region and adding more
than 80 new jobs to the local economy. These expansions and new companies
highlight the favorable working conditions present in Todd County
today.
Martin Industries is one of many businesses that have discovered the
high-quality work force and other incentives of Todd County commerce.
Specializing in the manufacture of farm equipment, Martin Industries
has been a part of the county for over 10 years. Howard Martin, the
founder and owner, formed his business to produce the planter attachments
that he designed and patented. As the business grew, Martin Industries
added Computer Numeric Controlled Machines (CNC Machining), plasma
cutting and welding, and custom-built spray booms to its list of products
and services.
Another business thriving in Todd County is Elkton Die Casting. A
prominent fixture in Elkton since 1965, Elkton Die Casting employs
over 100 people to produce saw components, drill components, boat
motor components, CNC machining and aluminum die-casting. The company
stays on the forefront of die-casting by using up-to-date machines
and relying on the well-trained work force Todd County provides.
One of the largest employers in the county is Flynn Enterprises, Inc.,
located in Elkton. Employing over 700 people, it is the maker of Faded
Glory brand jeans for men, women and children. The jeans, which sell
at Wal-Mart stores throughout the nation, were recently listed as
the top-ranking jean in Consumer Reports magazine. Realizing the benefits
of operating a business in Todd County, Flynn Enterprises has been
using the manufacturing expertise of the residents since the late
1980s.
At the southern end of the county, in Guthrie, is Koppers Industries,
Inc. This multi-million dollar company has locations worldwide and
has valued its Guthrie location since 1914. Employing 50 people from
throughout the county, Koppers is a worldwide leader in supplying
pressure-treated wood products. The Guthrie plant produces the creosote-treated
wood products that have become a major component in the foundation
of the railroad industry. The company also has a special metalworking
shop that handles one-of-a-kind projects for companies across the
United States.
Other businesses include Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. in Guthrie, which has
been selling eggs since 1949 and employs 70 people. Trace Industries
in Elkton manufactures wooden camping stools and chairs, army tables,
and refrigeration connectors and has been in Todd County for over
20 years. ToolTec of Elkton is one of the best machining shops in
the region. The Todd County Standard newspaper is one of the oldest
businesses in the county, having opened its doors in 1892; it still
reports on the happenings of the area.
The longstanding relationship Todd County has with its businesses
shows the pro-business focus that exists in the area. Businesses can
find the help they need to get started or to expand in the area from
both local and county governments. Businesses not only find employees
who are well-trained but also find the means to ship their goods out
of the county and throughout the world, thanks to the close proximity
to highway, rail and air travel. Come to Todd County and find a terrific
place to open your business.
