Metcalfe County and the region were abuzz with excitement Friday, May 31, as Governor Matt Bevin made the official announcement that the much anticipated barrel factory, Pennington Stave and Cooperate Corp. would be locating in Edmonton, Kentucky.

Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry has been an economic powerhouse for generations and its current momentum is truly astounding, Bevin said in Friday’s press release by the Lane Report.

“From barrel production to distillation, the Commonwealth continues to be the perfect fit for any company tied to the production of bourbon and spirits. Congratulations to Pennington Stave and Cooperage as they launch this innovative new endeavor in the industry and create exciting opportunities for the workforce of south central Kentucky.”

The mill will be located in the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Industrial Park with a $34.4 million-plus investment and will create approximately 126 full-time jobs.

After looking at many locations across the region, Pennington Stave and Cooperate selected the 38-acre site in the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Industrial Park. The existing building will be finished and used for the stage making portion of the operation while an additional 80,000 square foot building will be constructed for barrel making.

Chad Pennington, founder and PS&C was born and raised in Metcalfe County and resides there with his family. He is proud to see the startup take root in his home town.

“I always wanted it to be here, we did explore other options but I am glad it ultimately worked out for it to be here. It does mean a lot to be able to create this in my home town,” Pennington said.

The barrels built at PS&C will be used for Kentucky bourbon, and other wine, spirits and craft beers that require aging in white oak barrels. PS&C plans to use American white oak secured primarily from local logging companies and other regional sources.

“The bourbon industry is booming, and as long as there is bourbon they will need barrels,” said Pennington.

The longevity of the cooperage and its potential for growth and prosper is especially appealing for the region.

“It will offer opportunities for future generations,” Pennington said.

PS&C aims to fill a growing need in the bourbon and American whiskey market. Annually, the industry requires production of more than 1.8 million barrels, and a lack of suppliers possess potential challenges in the future.

The cooperage plans to implement state-of-the-art production methods and technology, which Pennington said is only beginning to be used in Kentucky by a limited number of facilities. The equipment will be cut form production time and labor.

Ultimately, having such a company will mean more than jobs. It has the potential to spawn growth and prosperity in a region that has seen its share of hard times.

“I am thrilled Pennington Stave and Cooperage Corp. decided to locate in Edmonton,” Mayor Smith said in the press report. “The opportunity for the residents of Edmonton and Metcalfe County to live and work here is important to me. This will not only be good for the people of Edmonton and Metcalfe County but also for surrounding counties for generations to come.”

Metcalfe County Judge/Executive Stilts thanked those involved in making the project a reality.

“We appreciate Gov. Bevin and his economic development team for helping secure Pennington Stave and Cooperate’s location to our community,” Judge Stilts said. “This project will have a positive impact on our local timber and logging businesses, and it will greatly benefit our local workforce. This is a wonderful addition to Metcalfe County.”

“People are exited and that’s a good thing,” said Pennington.

Although the project is moving forward, a specific date for when the cooperage will be up and running has not yet been determined.