Play Mart breaks ground on $3-plus million expansion
SPEDA (Somerset-Pulaski County Economic Development Authority CEO + President, Chris Girdler), Wildcat Builders (Kenny Dysinger), City of Somerset Mayor (Alan Keck), Play Mart General Manager (Tabitha Beach Sani), Laju Sani and boys, Play Mart Management & Project Estimation Team (Bryan Parks, Koe Bell, Ashley Morrison), Pulaski County Judge Executive (Marshall Todd), Somerset Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Director (Bobby Clue), Deco Architects Team.
After providing countless playgrounds to communities around the world, Play Mart is ecstatic to be expanding our own “playground” at our headquarters in Somerset, Kentucky! On Friday, March 15th, 2024, we were blessed to break ground on our new innovative green manufacturing facility. This $3+ million expansion project will bring our total operating space to over 103,000 sq. ft. and allow additional equipment, personnel, and materials to meet our growing customer demand.
Creating Jobs
Our investment will create ten additional full-time jobs, increasing our total employment to 47 between Somerset and our executive offices in Monterey, California. Not only does this expansion create jobs at our facility, but for every job we create in Somerset, additional jobs can be created across the United States and worldwide.
The residual effect of our increased purchasing and output will help to create jobs for our vendors who provide our rotomolded plastic, shades, post-industrial HDPE by the tractor truckload, flat plastic by the truckload, tools, and more. Then when our product is delivered there will be increased demand for truck drivers, installation crews for our equipment and crews to install the PIP (Poured in Place rubber attenuating surfacing), as well as additional playground inspectors, etc.
Powered by Renewable Energy
By strategically placing 20 Strackers (tracking solar panels), our new facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy. These multi-functional solar panels will provide clean energy for the facility, shade in the parking lot, and charging stations for electric vehicles. The expansion demonstrates our commitment to curbing environmental impact and will position Play Mart as one of the first manufacturing facilities in Kentucky to transition to solar power.
Our original playground equipment designs are built on a modular grid system, making it easy for us to customize designs to fit different budgets and site layouts. “The ability to innovate is at the heart of economic development and what makes successful businesses and communities stand out,” said Chris Girdler, president and CEO of the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA). “Play Mart has established itself as a global leader in the recreation industry by being committed to continuous improvement and creative, original designs. We are honored that the Play Mart family continues to build its international presence right here in Somerset and Pulaski County, and we thank them for investing in our community for more than four decades.”
Play Mart has been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability since we were founded in 1981. Our team is excited to continue our legacy of designing safe, engaging, and educational playgrounds worldwide. “We’ve enjoyed living and working in the community all these years,” says Rebecca Beach, founder and CEO of Play Mart. “We are honored to have the opportunity to expand our operations in keeping with our core values.” Tabitha Sani, daughter of Rebecca and General Manager, adds, “Our team is looking forward to continuing to provide a healthy work environment here in Kentucky and environmentally-conscious playground products for children around the globe.”
Here are a few more fun photos from our official groundbreaking event.
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