U.K.-based company’s first U.S. operation will turn distillery byproduct into renewable natural gas and fertilizer

FRANKFORT, KY - On Oct. 8, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local and state officials alongside Grissan Renewable Energy leaders for the groundbreaking of the company’s first U.S. operation, a clean energy manufacturing facility in Marion County that will convert spent mash from distilleries into sustainable, renewable natural gas and fertilizer. The $62.7 million investment will create 20 new, full-time Kentucky jobs.

“Each time a company chooses to locate here in Kentucky, especially to establish its first operation in the United States, it’s a glowing testament to this great state, its resources and skilled workforce,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is an incredible project for the Marion County community that will have a positive impact on the commonwealth’s sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. I am thrilled to celebrate this exciting next step for Grissan and Marion County and look forward to a long and successful partnership here in the commonwealth.”

The new facility will efficiently process feedstock for the commonwealth’s bourbon producers while simultaneously providing renewable natural gas to the surrounding area. The project will include construction of 15,500-square-foot offices, including an education center, as well as the renewable natural gas production facility on 59 acres. It will create 20 high-quality, full-time job opportunities, which will primarily include engineering and operational positions. Construction is scheduled to begin this year and be completed in fall 2025.

“We’re thrilled to announce our expansion into the U.S. market, establishing Kentucky as our new home,” said Paul Blackler, CEO of Grissan. “Kentucky’s thriving bourbon industry, combined with our rich Scotch whisky heritage, creates a perfect synergy to introduce our proven, sustainable energy solutions. By deploying our advanced renewable technologies, we aim to actively contribute to Kentucky’s clean energy transition, delivering significant environmental benefits while driving local economic growth and innovation.”

Headquartered in London, Grissan stands as the world’s foremost producer of sustainable, renewable natural gas derived from distillery byproducts. Drawing on more than a century of Scotch whisky industry heritage, this family-owned company processes approximately 4 million tons of distillery residues annually. Today, Grissan generates up to 5 million MMBtu’s of renewable energy through its state-of-the-art facilities – enough to heat 140,000 homes – while removing more than 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This pioneering approach has firmly positioned Grissan as a global leader in reducing energy emissions and driving environmental sustainability.

Rachel Nally, director of environment and sustainability for Heaven Hill Brands, a principal partner of Grissan, noted the company’s sustainability practices and looks forward to its partnership with the company: “Heaven Hill is excited to partner with Grissan, a company leading in a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and renewable energy. This partnership highlights our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation within the spirits industry. Together, we aim to create a lasting, positive impact on our businesses, our communities and the world we share, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.”

Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty looks forward to the company joining the community: “This is outstanding news for Marion County, and we could not be more excited that Grissan has chosen to invest in our community and create new opportunities for our people. We welcome them to Marion County, and we look forward to continuing to provide support however we can.”

Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw is excited to see the positive impact the project will have on the area: “We greatly appreciate Grissan’s investment in our community. The company’s cutting-edge technology and business model aligns perfectly with our progressive vision we have as a community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have in Lebanon and Marion County.”

Marion County Economic Development Executive Director Brooklyn Leep highlighted the investment and support of the company’s project: “We are so proud that Grissan has chosen Lebanon and Marion County as home for its very first U.S. operation. We are grateful for Grissan’s investment in our community, and it is our pleasure to support this project every step of the way.”

Grissan’s investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $32.5 billion in announced investments, creating more than 55,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.

The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.

In March, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. In April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in July 2024 preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program.

Additionally, KEDFA approved Grissan for further tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, Grissan can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

For more information on Grissan, visit grissan.com.

A detailed community profile for Marion County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.