A bold new hue in Barren County
Egyptian powder coating company chooses Kentucky for its first U.S. plant
IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY, Barren County was already known for its colorful attractions—from the kaleidoscopic formations of Diamond Caverns to the life-sized replicas at Dinosaur World and the rainbow lorikeets at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. Now, Union Coating & Chemical Industries, a global powder coating manufacturer based in Egypt, has chosen the region for its first U.S. plant, bringing industrial color to the community.
“Establishing our first U.S. manufacturing facility in Kentucky is a significant expanding for Union Coating & Chemical Industries,” says Yehia Talaat, the company’s chairman. “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability and delivering world-class coating solutions closer to our customers.”
The company plans to invest nearly $12 million and create 60 jobs at the South Cooper Industrial Park. The project includes land acquisition, construction of a modern manufacturing plant, installation of advanced powder production systems, and the establishment of research and development laboratories.
Talaat notes the company’s excitement to “bring advanced technologies, color expertise and new opportunities to Barren County,” and to build strong partnerships with both local communities and global markets.
Union Coating & Chemical Industries specializes in high-performance powder coatings used in automotive, construction, consumer goods and electronics. Its products are prized for durability, aesthetics and environmental compliance, protecting and enhancing everything from metal furniture and appliances to industrial machinery and building materials.
Local leaders are enthusiastic about the opportunities this investment represents.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Union Coating & Chemical Industries to Barren County and proud to support the infrastructure powering this exciting growth,” says Toby Moss, president and CEO of Farmers RECC. “This investment brings new jobs, innovation and momentum to our region—exactly the kind of opportunity that strengthens our communities and energizes our future.”
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Byrd calls the announcement “a moment of celebration,” while Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse emphasizes that the project is not just about the facility, but “an investment in the people who live and work here.”
Community investment pays off
The arrival of Union Coating & Chemical Industries is a validation of Barren County’s long-term investment in its South Cooper Industrial Park. By developing infrastructure and speculative buildings ahead of demand, the community positioned itself to attract a global manufacturer seeking speed to market.
“This project is especially exciting because Union Coating & Chemical Industries is investing in one of our speculative buildings—exactly the kind of opportunity those developments are designed to create,” says Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority. “Their decision to grow here underscores the strength of our workforce and business climate.”
