FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2013) – Governor Steve Beshear today announced Little Kentucky Smokehouse, a family-owned business established in Uniontown in 2003, will construct a second 40,000-square-foot facility at its existing site, doubling the square footage of the operation.

The more than $2.2 million investment will allow the company to meet rising customer demand of its ham products and will add 18 new full-time jobs at the facility.

“It’s extremely exciting and rewarding to see a home-grown company such as Little Kentucky Smokehouse succeed in the national marketplace,” said Gov. Beshear. “There is no doubt that this family-owned business has the vision and determination that will enhance its continued growth, and this $2.2 million investment in Uniontown is evident of their success. We welcome the expansion and the 18 new jobs it will create.”

Little Kentucky Smokehouse produces a variety of hams for national customers for private labeling, as well as its own brands, Little Kentucky Smokehouse and Premium Kentucky Farm. Located at 400 T F Wathen Road, Little Kentucky Smokehouse currently employs 70 Kentuckians.

“Little Kentucky Smokehouse LLC is very thankful for the state and local government’s commitment to support our local growth initiative,” said Linda Baird, managing partner of Little Kentucky Smokehouse LLC. “We are excited about the opportunity to grow and increase jobs that will have a positive long term effect on the entire region.”

To encourage the additional investment in Union County, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority approved Little Kentucky Smokehouse for tax benefits up to $25,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment.

“Little Kentucky Smokehouse is a good corporate partner, and we appreciate its continued investment in the Uniontown operation and community,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson. “The success of the family-owned business in growing its national customer base is also good for our skilled and capable workforce and our local economy. I congratulate Little Kentucky Smokehouse on expanding to a second facility, and I look forward to the company’s future growth and the opportunities for our area that will follow.”

“Jimmy and Linda Baird’s vision, entrepreneurship and work ethic are an integral part of Union County’s business community,” said Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins. “Their stewardship of Little Kentucky Smokehouse and other ventures have enabled Union County and their families to continue to prosper.”

“Because they sell their products all across the U.S, Jimmy and Linda Baird have helped to put Uniontown, Kentucky on the map,” said Uniontown Mayor Rick Millikan. “This expansion announcement is evidence of their success and also evidence that they have faith in our local workforce. I’m proud of their commitment to Uniontown and Union County, and, of course, it’s always good news to hear that a company is going to be adding more jobs to the community.”

Source: Press release courtesy of the Governor's Office