Bluegrass Bottling, a woman-owned business, celebrated the groundbreaking of it’s new $6.25 million bottling facility in Lancaster, Garrard County, Kentucky.
In August 2022, Bluegrass Bottling announced it would be adding a second location to keep up with demand for its services. In addition to its existing facility in Stanford, Lincoln County, just over a dozen miles away, the new location includes a new 50,000-square-foot bottling facility on a 98-acre site where the company will operate under the name Poor Ridge Distillery. The project will also more than double the company’s storage space to a total of 49,000 square feet. The company currently employs around 20 people and is expected to create 27 new full-time positions.
“We could not be more proud and excited to be a part of Kentucky’s bourbon industry,” said owner of Bluegrass Bottling Lisa Strevels. “This investment is vital to our company’s continued growth in the commonwealth, and we look forward to expanding our presence in Lancaster.”
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Bluegrass Bottling’s services include blending, proofing, brand development, labeling, private labeling, specialized packaging and designing of spirits brands. Established in 2020, the company provides resources that allow distilleries, small-craft distillers and bourbon enthusiasts to market their products and reach their full potential.
“I’m excited to see so many existing bourbon-related businesses growing and expanding in the commonwealth,” said Kentucky Gov. Beshear during the ceremony. “To have a Kentucky woman-owned business-like Bluegrass Bottling expanding is a big win for the state. This is truly a fantastic project for Garrard County and the surrounding region.”
Garrard County Judge/Executive Chris T. Elleman thanked the leadership at Bluegrass Bottling for their commitment to the community.
“I would like to thank Bluegrass Bottling for choosing Garrard County as their home to expand and grow their business,” said Judge Elleman. “Lisa and Chris Strevels, the community of Garrard County cannot thank you enough for bringing your business back home. We look forward to working with you all and being part of your growth. The future is bright for Garrard County, and this is a step in the right direction.”
Lancaster Mayor Michael Gaffney showed the city’s excitement for growth and the partnership with Bluegrass Bottling.
“The Mayor’s Office, along with the City Council, are extremely excited about Bluegrass Bottling coming to Garrard County,” said Mayor Gaffney. “We look forward to them being a part of our community and the economic development that it is going to bring. We can’t wait to see what they are able to accomplish over the coming months and years as we grow our partnership to help drive growth and development of Lancaster and Garrard County.”
Lancaster/Garrard County Industrial Development Authority Chairperson David Land spoke on the job opportunities Bluegrass Bottling is bringing to Garrard County.
“The Lancaster/Garrard County Industrial Development Authority is excited to welcome Bluegrass Bottling to Garrard County and our business community,” said Land. “We are grateful to see companies such as this choose to locate here. We believe that they have a lot to add to the community through job opportunities, tourism and feel that they will be an overall asset to the community. These folks have chosen to bring their business back home, and we are pleased to welcome them and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Providing Investment Incentives
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in July 2022 preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can tax incentives based on the company’s investment and annual job and wage targets.
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.
In addition, Bluegrass Bottling 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.
Learn more about Bluegrass Bottling.
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