STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County’s growing industrial sector shared the spotlight at Barren Inc.’s 2026 Industry Impact Awards Banquet, where seven local industries were recognized for expansion, investment, job creation and community impact.
The annual banquet, hosted by Barren Inc., the Barren County Chamber of Commerce, was Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Cave Area Conference Center in Cave City and sponsored by Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College.
The evening opened with the 2026 Expansion Awards, which recognize existing industries for investments that strengthen operations, support their workforce and create new opportunities in Barren County.
This year’s Expansion Award recipients were Bluegrass Ingredients, Midmark Corporation and SpanTech, LLC.
Bluegrass Ingredients, a supplier of flavors and formula solutions to the food and beverage industry, was honored for its warehouse expansion in Glasgow.
The project, developed with the Barren County Economic Authority, will consolidate inventory, streamline order fulfillment and improve service to customers.
The new facility will also become the first industrial tenant in South Cooper Industrial Park, marking a milestone for the park’s development.
Midmark Corporation received an Expansion Award for investing more than $750,000 in a renovation of its 63,700-square-foot Glasgow facility.
The global provider of products and solutions for medical, dental and veterinary businesses employs 37 teammates locally and traces the operation’s roots to European Design, founded in 1988 and acquired by Midmark in 2007.
Completed in 2026, the renovation refreshed interior and exterior spaces, created a new entrance, modernized conference rooms, upgraded technology and expanded employee amenities, all aimed at improving collaboration and daily operations.
SpanTech, LLC was recognized for launching STIM—Span Tech Injection Molding—a new injection molding facility in Barren County that is expected to create 10 new jobs.
The expansion includes investments in equipment, electrical infrastructure and property improvements, and is designed to give area businesses access to a local injection molding partner while strengthening the community’s industrial capabilities.
The 2026 New Business Awards celebrated companies that chose to locate and invest in Barren County, bringing new capabilities and employment opportunities.
Tate, Inc. received a New Business Award for establishing its largest North American facility in Glasgow.
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the company is part of the Kingspan Group and is considered a global leader in infrastructure solutions for commercial buildings and data centers.
The Glasgow project represents an initial investment of $61.2 million and plans to create 400 full-time jobs, making it Barren County’s largest economic development investment and job creation announcement in nearly two decades, according to Barren Inc.
Tate has purchased an approximately 764,000-square-foot building — the former R.R. Donnelley and Sons — and begun renovations and already hired 250 employees to manufacture data center components and containment products for customers across the United States.
Union Coating & Chemical Industries was also honored with a New Business Award for selecting Glasgow as the location of its first U.S. manufacturing facility.
Based in Ramadan City, Egypt, the company produces advanced powder coating solutions and plans to invest $11.9 million in the project’s initial phase, with plans to increase its investment to $20 million as operations grow.
Union Coating has closed on a building in South Cooper Industrial Park, where it will initially produce powder coating compounds and then expand product lines as market demand grows.
The 2026 Community Impact Award went to Phorus Industries for its contributions through volunteerism, charitable support and community engagement.
Phorus, which specializes in hemp cultivation, CBD extraction and product development, was recognized for its participation in chamber events and initiatives, support of local philanthropic efforts and contributions of time and resources in Barren County.
The banquet concluded with the 2026 Industry of the Year Award, sponsored by Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College and presented by Dr. Michelle Trawick.
Akebono Glasgow received the honor in recognition of its longstanding role as a major employer and manufacturing leader in the county.
The facility, part of a global braking technology company founded in Japan in 1929, opened in Glasgow in 1987 and now employs more than 600 people who manufacture disc brakes, drum brakes and high-performance brakes.
Barren Inc. officials said the award celebrates the Glasgow team’s dedication to quality, innovation and continuous improvement, as well as its lasting impact on families throughout the community.
“Our industries help shape Barren County’s future through the jobs they create, the investments they make, and the people they support,” Barren Inc. President and CEO Maureen Carpenter said.
“This year’s honorees show what is possible when innovation, hard work, and a commitment to community come together,” she added. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and grateful for the opportunities they continue to create right here at home,” Carpenter said.
Key Facts
• Barren Inc., the Barren County Chamber of Commerce, hosted its 2026 Industry Impact Awards Banquet at the Cave Area Conference Center in Cave City.
• Seven industries were recognized for expansions, new investments, job creation and community contributions.
• Expansion Awards went to Bluegrass Ingredients, Midmark Corporation and SpanTech, LLC.
• New Business Awards went to Tate, Inc. and Union Coating & Chemical Industries for major projects in Glasgow and South Cooper Industrial Park.
• Tate’s Glasgow facility represents a $61.2 million investment and plans to create 400 full-time jobs, with 250 employees already hired.
• Union Coating & Chemical Industries plans to invest up to $20 million as its new Glasgow operation grows.
• Phorus Industries received the Community Impact Award for volunteerism, philanthropy and engagement across Barren County.
• Akebono Glasgow was named Industry of the Year, employing more than 600 people and manufacturing brake products since 1987.
• More than 175 chamber members, community leaders and business executives attended the banquet.
• Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College served as the event sponsor and Industry of the Year sponsor.
