September 15, 2008
Bowling
Green, Ky. - When Keith Springs took his board members to the empty furniture store, it was hard for 
them to envision it as the global headquarters of HeathCo Corp.
But with the help of Buddy Steen, director of Western Kentucky University’s Center for Research and Development, they were able to see the light, so to speak. Today, the market leader in motion-sensor lighting and door chimes officially opened the 22,000 square-foot facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Springs, HeathCo’s president, said the new location in the center and near WKU “perfectly positions HeathCo to continue to grow through product innovation and places us in a fast-paced, innovative environment.”
The state-of-the-art facility will house the sales, marketing, customer service and technical support departments with additional space for engineering, finance, human resources and information technology groups. More than 2,300 square feet has been designated for product research and development and more than 500 square feet for a certified UL lab.
“Being on campus gives us a connection to the students and, in conjunction with the administration, a chance to create opportunities for the brightest students to stay in Bowling Green and jumpstart their careers,” Springs said.
“This is a place where things are happening and growing,” he said. “WKU is a big factor in locating here.” He added that HeathCo hopes to attract “the best minds,” many of them being new WKU graduates in the sciences and business, as it adds up to 50 to its workforce in the near future. Currently, 42 percent of HeathCo employees in Bowling Green have earned degrees from WKU, Springs said.
Steen said HeathCo’s decision “to locate their world headquarters here is a testament to the value proposition of the WKU Center for R&D. Both technical and executive management at HeathCo have expressed a great deal of interest in working with faculty and staff associated with WKU’s Applied Research and Technology Program (ARTP). We are excited about the opportunity to work closely with HeathCo to continue to evolve the relationship with WKU creating many new opportunities for our newest tenant and WKU.”
WKU President Gary Ransdell agreed.
“Our mission includes not only providing a quality educational experience for our students, but helping enhance the economic well-being of our region,” he said. “Our relationship with HeathCo is providing the opportunity to fulfill both of those elements by involving our students and faculty in product research, development, sales and marketing, and that is leading to excellent career opportunities for our students.”
Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker said HeathCo’s location in the Center “presents a unique opportunity for our community’s residents and WKU because of its potential for growth, along with the innovative careers it presents. We’re proud to welcome HeathCo to Bowling Green.”
Warren County Judge-Executive Michael Buchanon agreed.
“Like Mayor Walker, I’m excited HeathCo has located here in Bowling Green,” he said. “With its partnership with WKU, as well as the support from our community, this is a promising venture for this company. HeathCo’s track record and its commitment to innovation make it a great addition to South Central Kentucky.”
Doug Gorman, chairman of the 2008 Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, praised HeathCo for the kinds of jobs it is bringing.
“Our economic development staff at the Chamber dedicates significant effort to bringing white collar jobs to our region,” he said. “HeathCo offers those types of careers, making it an attractive company for our residents and students at WKU. On behalf of the Chamber, I thank HeathCo of locating here.”
HeathCo, under the Heath Zenith brand, has captured by far the largest market share in specialty electrical products such as motion-activated lighting, door chimes and wireless lighting controls. Its products are sold in more than 10,000 retail outlets worldwide. In addition to its Bowling Green headquarters, HeathCo operates distribution facilities in Manchester, Tenn., and Toronto, Canada.
HeathCo is a Duchossois Industries Inc. (DII) portfolio company. DII is a privately-held diversified operating company headquartered in Illinois with interests in access control, advanced control and automation, venture capital and gaming.
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