A local business is expanding its operations by purchasing a building on Ferco Way that has been out of use for more than a year.
The Russell County Industrial Development Authority (RCIDA) announced today, March 10, the sale of its 9,400 square-foot manufacturing building — located just off of Industry Drive — in Jamestown to Von Gruenigen Furniture Makers, LLC. The company plans to move in and have the new facility operational in spring of this year.
“They’re local people, and they’re expanding their operation here in Jamestown, so we’re proud of that,” said Russell County Judge-Executive Gary Robertson.
A family-owned company, father-and-son team Ed and Casey Von Gruenigen began operations in 2009 designing and building custom furniture. The company has since expanded into the cabinet-making business, added commercial clients, and invested in state-of-the-art equipment. Currently, they have eight full-time employees and anticipate adding 5-10 more by 2024.
Not only will relocating into the new facility give the company’s manufacturing operation more room for production and expansion, but the move is also logistically simple — just a short drive.
“We chose to locate in Russell County because it’s our home,” Casey Von Gruenigen said. “This is the area where we have lived, raised our families, and have our friends. Russell County means a lot to us and we want to see it grow and prosper.”
“We believe that expanding our local economy begins with investing in the local workers and providing opportunities to the local workforce”
-Casey Von Gruenigen
With a focus on quality, while utilizing modern technology in their manufacturing, the company will be looking for qualified, skilled craftsmen in the fields of engineering, project management, design, fabrication, CNC operation, and installation.
“The expansion will allow us to foster a more active relationship with the Lake Cumberland Regional College and Workforce Center and utilize the Kentucky Career Center, Cumberlands, for finding local employees as needed,” Casey said.
Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton said she is glad to see new manufacturing come to the city.
“We appreciate Von Gruenigen Cabinet and Furniture Makers moving to Jamestown and will be happy to assist with whatever we can to help them move forward in their business,” Hinton said.
“The RCIDA worked diligently and quickly with the Von Gruenigen team as they needed to identify a facility for their growth,” added Clint Voils, board chairman of the RCIDA. “They have been a locally grown company which made this deal even more attractive. The RCIDA acquired this building years ago to ensure we had an opportunity to recruit a company such as Von Gruenigen Furniture Makers. We look forward to their continued success in our community.”
The Von Gruenigen’s attribute their success to the support of their customers.
“We greatly appreciate their business and we’re so grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us,” Casey said. “We would also like to thank our employees for their outstanding work and dedication. We appreciate them helping us get to where we are today.”
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of other recent business investments in Russell County. With last month’s purchase of the former spec building in the Lake Cumberland Regional Industrial Complex Site One, Lake Cumberland Family Medical will operate a distribution center. Neat Distributing is building a new manufacturing facility in the northern part of the county, and Davis Gate and Wire Manufacturing is expanding their operation with a new 75,000 square-foot plant near Jamestown.
