GLASGOW, Ky. — The Barren County Economic Authority is moving forward with plans to construct a third speculative industrial building at South Cooper Industrial Park, continuing an expansion strategy aimed at attracting new manufacturers and logistics operations to the region.

The BCEA announced Friday it will develop a 60,000-square-foot speculative facility on approximately 15.32 acres within the park. The board selected construction firm Scott, Murphy & Daniel to lead development of the project.

Speculative buildings are designed to be built without a pre-committed tenant, allowing communities to offer move-in-ready industrial space to companies making fast relocation or expansion decisions.

“This new speculative building strengthens our ability to compete for high-quality projects and demonstrates our commitment to supporting business growth in Barren County,” said Maureen Carpenter, president and CEO of BCEA. “We are excited to partner with Scott, Murphy & Daniel, whose expertise and long-standing investment in industrial development make them an exceptional partner for this project.”

The facility is planned with expansion capability up to 240,000 square feet and will be positioned with direct access to the Cumberland Expressway and Interstate 65, a key selling point for distribution, manufacturing, and logistics users.

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

This will be the third speculative building constructed within South Cooper Industrial Park. According to BCEA, the previous two buildings on Lots 1 and 7 were both under contract within a year of completion and are now occupied by Bluegrass Ingredients and Union Coating.

The BCEA said that track record underscores strong demand for industrial space in Barren County and reinforces its strategy of building available inventory to compete for incoming projects.

“We continue to see strong interest from companies looking for existing facilities, and this investment ensures Barren County remains ready to respond to opportunities as they arise,” Byrd said.

Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse also highlighted the project’s role in the community’s broader economic development efforts, noting that South Cooper Industrial Park has become a key driver of industrial growth.

“This project builds on the momentum we have worked hard to create and sends a strong message that Glasgow is prepared for future opportunities,” Royse said.

The Barren County Economic Authority serves as the county’s lead economic development organization, focused on attracting new industry, supporting existing business expansion, and advancing infrastructure development across the region.