Earth Breeze, a producer of environmentally friendly laundry detergent sheets, has announced plans to invest approximately $5.9 million in a new manufacturing facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. This development is expected to create 226 jobs across various skill levels and departments, including positions for facility directors, production operators, quality control specialists, and administrative associates.
The 81,250-square-foot facility will manage multiple aspects of Earth Breeze’s production process, such as blending their proprietary eco-friendly formulation, drying and processing, cutting and packaging, order fulfillment operations, quality control laboratory testing, and research and development.
Governor Andy Beshear expressed enthusiasm about the company’s decision to establish operations in Kentucky, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Earth Breeze to our New Kentucky Home. This project will create quality jobs and opportunities for the Harrodsburg community, and I can’t wait to see this innovative company succeed.”
Ben Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Earth Breeze, highlighted the state’s supportive environment, saying, “We are incredibly grateful to the state of Kentucky for their outstanding support and partnership throughout this journey. From the very beginning, the state has demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering growth and innovation, helping us navigate every step with care and efficiency. Kentucky’s strong workforce, business-friendly environment, and collaborative spirit have made it the perfect home for Earth Breeze.”
To encourage this investment and job creation, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) has preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with Earth Breeze under the Kentucky Business Investment program. This performance-based agreement can provide up to $2.4 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $5.89 million and annual targets, which include the creation and maintenance of 226 full-time jobs for Kentucky residents over ten years and paying an average hourly wage of $30.96, including benefits, across those jobs.
Founded in 2019, Earth Breeze offers laundry detergent sheets free from harsh chemicals such as optical brighteners, artificial dyes, parabens, phthalates, or preservatives. The company is committed to sustainability, having partnered with over 800 shelters, community organizations, and disaster relief groups to provide more than 300 million loads of detergent to those in need. Additionally, Earth Breeze has sponsored the cleanup of over 999,000 pounds of plastic worldwide.
Local officials have expressed strong support for the project. Mercer County Judge/Executive Sarah Steele stated, “We are thrilled to welcome a new company to our community and excited for the new job opportunities this brings to Mercer County. We are looking forward to this partnership.” Harrodsburg Mayor Bob Williams added, “We are pleased and delighted to have Earth Breeze locating their manufacturing facility in Harrodsburg. The product, the leadership, and the potential employment are all extraordinary factors in welcoming them to our community.”
This investment by Earth Breeze contributes to a period of significant economic growth in Kentucky, with Governor Beshear announcing over 1,100 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling more than $35 billion in investments and creating over 60,000 jobs since the beginning of his administration.
