Leaders from Daviess, McLean, Ohio, Hopkins, and Muhlenberg counties joined Gov. Andy Beshear and executives from Biomass Engineering and Equipment (BE&E) on Friday to break ground on BE&E’s new $20 million facility — a project expected to deliver 250 full-time jobs and long-term economic returns across the region.
The new operation marks the first tenant for Paradise Regional Industrial Park, a joint investment by five counties and the state through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, which provided $745,000 to prepare the site for industry.
“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry remains a key catalyst for our continued economic momentum and thriving economy,” Beshear said at the ceremony. “Today’s groundbreaking event is an exciting next step for not only BE&E, but for the community and families of Muhlenberg County. These 250 job opportunities will provide a substantial economic boost to the region, and I appreciate BE&E for their belief in the commonwealth and our people. I am excited to be here today and look forward to the company’s success here in our New Kentucky Home.”
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen previously said the project is already paying dividends for local taxpayers.
“This is a huge win for our region. Daviess County is set to gain approximately $27,000 annually in occupational tax revenue from the 250 new jobs, meaning our initial investment will be recouped in about four years,” Castlen said previously. “More importantly, this creates opportunities for our residents, with up to 20 of those jobs projected to come directly from Daviess County.”
Castlen added that the new facility is just the start for the industrial park’s long-term vision.
“The continued success of these regional parks will improve the lives of all our citizens,” he said Friday.
Dane Floyd, CEO of Floyd Holdings, which owns BE&E, said multiple factors made Greenville the right place to grow.
“BE&E is a global company and as such can choose anywhere in the world as the most advantageous location to expand,” Floyd said. “Many factors go into such a major decision as this investment, and all things considered, Greenville, Kentucky, is the right choice. I am grateful to everyone involved: the dedicated employees, the local government, the community, and Gov. Beshear’s office for making this decision so easy for us. We are proud to call Greenville, Kentucky, our new home.”
Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Mack McGehee said the park’s first tenant sets the tone for what’s ahead.
“We are thrilled to welcome Biomass Engineering & Equipment to Paradise Regional Industrial Park,” McGehee said. “This groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of a new facility, but the start of new opportunities for our community — bringing good jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth to Muhlenberg County. We’re proud to support forward-thinking industries like this that recognize the potential of our region and share in our vision for a stronger future.”
Ray Hagerman, executive director of the Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance, said the region’s workforce played a key role.
“We are thankful BE&E saw the strength of our workforce and are thrilled to have them in the community,” Hagerman said.
Founded in 2011, BE&E makes bulk material handling equipment for agriculture, forestry, biomass, and other industries. The company’s investment builds on a record-setting five-year stretch for Kentucky’s economic development.
Construction on the new facility begins this month, with operations expected to start in late 2025.
