UniFirst Corporation ceremoniously broke ground Thursday on a $28 million expansion of its Distribution and Fulfillment Center in Owensboro, with officials reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to the region and further investing in its growing operations.
“The Owensboro expansion reflects our commitment to delivering industry-leading service to our customers while strengthening our relationship with the Owensboro community and the state of Kentucky, which has supported us for 27 successful years,” said UniFirst President and CEO Steven Sintros.
The 109,000-square-foot addition will increase the total footprint to 469,000 square feet, further strengthening UniFirst’s position as home to the largest personalization and emblem manufacturing operation in North America.
Company officials said the addition will enhance operational efficiency, increase order accuracy, and support growing customer demand. Plans include the integration of robotics, smart conveyor systems, a high-tech shipping sortation system, and a new Warehouse Management System to streamline scalability.
“This expansion positions UniFirst to better serve our national and local customer base while driving innovation and operational excellence,” said UniFirst Senior Vice President Matthew Croatti. “We’re proud to contribute to the economic vitality of this region while ensuring that our Team Partners have the resources they need to grow with us.”
The Owensboro center currently employs more than 520 “Team Partners” and processes more than 20 million garments each year for customers across the U.S. and Canada.
“This project is an investment in our customers, Team Partners, and the Owensboro community,” said UniFirst General Manager David Dersheimer. “We are proud to deepen our roots here in Kentucky and are honored to host our local dignitaries who will share in our groundbreaking celebration.”
Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake said UniFirst has become a reliable partner in finding innovative solutions for workforce and economic development challenges.
“Even if we have an idea that’s completely out of the box, they pull together the right team, get us around the table, and make it happen,” Brake said. “Thank you for showing up every day to make our community greater and for continuing to push our economy forward.”
Claud Bacon, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, said the project represents more than a business expansion — it’s a statement of confidence in the local workforce.
“Today’s $28 million expansion is not just a milestone for UniFirst — it’s an investment in our local workforce and economy,” Bacon said. “This moment wouldn’t be possible without the vision, hard work, and collaboration among many great partners.”
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said the decision to expand in Owensboro is a testament to the work ethic of UniFirst employees and the strength of the local community.
“Companies like UniFirst don’t have to expand here — they could go anywhere in the world,” Castlen said. “But they choose Owensboro because of (the employees). If you didn’t give your all, this expansion might have happened somewhere else.”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson also praised the company for continuing to grow in the community it has called home for nearly three decades.
“This expansion takes UniFirst to new heights,” Watson said. “Thank you to UniFirst for your continued belief in Owensboro, and a special thanks to the dedicated employees who help make this company and our community shine.”
The expansion also emphasizes sustainability, incorporating high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting, natural light features, and outdoor spaces designed to foster an employee-friendly environment.
Gov. Andy Beshear praised the project in a recent statement, citing it as a testament to Kentucky’s manufacturing excellence and its economic impact on the region. UniFirst’s Owensboro site has previously earned both the Governor’s Health and Safety Award and is one of only 19 facilities in the state to achieve OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star certification, reflecting the highest safety standards.
The facility is also ISO 9001 certified, reflecting a globally recognized standard for quality management and continuous improvement.
Construction is scheduled to begin immediately, with partial occupancy expected by October 2025 and full completion anticipated in early 2026.
