Former Muhlenberg South Middle School Purchased

MUHLENBERG COUNTY ACQUIRES FORMER SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

PROPERTY FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

POWDERLY- County Partners with Local Organizations to Establish Western Kentucky Regional Training Center, Develop Housing, and Launch Kitchen Incubator by 2025

[Greenville, KY, October 4, 2024] – Muhlenberg County today purchased former South Middle

School property at 200 Pritchett Drive in Greenville. The County will manage the property in

partnership with Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance, Madisonville Community College,

Muhlenberg County Public Schools, and various industrial participants. The main occupant will

be the Western Kentucky Regional Training Center which will be focused on PLC, Robotics,

Automation and Mechatronics as well as workforce training for incumbent workers using

simulators and training equipment managed by Madisonville Community College.

The property has 65,000 square feet under roof and 27 acres in total. It has a football field and

gymnasium that will be managed by Muhlenberg County Parks and Recreation and has excess

land on which designs are being formulated for reasonably priced owner-occupied housing.

The Western Kentucky Regional Training Center will be the main user, with $400,000 worth of

Madisonville Community College’s PLC trainers on the way as well as multi-million dollars of

equipment paid for by grants and industrial partners. The building will also house a Kitchen

Incubator by the fourth quarter of 2025 to take advantage of the commercial kitchen in the building as a shared resource for food-related businesses.

“The vision for Western Kentucky Regional Training Center is to provide Industry supported and

driven programs for individuals who lack the knowledge and skill set to enter our region’s

industries. Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court is excited to partner with Madisonville Community

College, Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance, and the Felix E. Martin, Jr. Foundation in

bringing this regional training facility to Muhlenberg County. This training center will bridge the

gap between industry, workforce development and the surrounding communities. Industry needs

workers, and they will come to where the workers are being trained to match their needs,” says

Muhlenberg County Judge Executive Mack McGehee.

Future plans beyond 2025 may include a maker space, remote working areas, and other

opportunities as surveyed by the general public.

“The purchase of this school facility is a tremendous benefit for our community. It will provide

opportunities for individuals across Muhlenberg County to pursue new career paths in emerging

industries and upcoming positions. Additionally, it will enhance our ability to attract and recruit

new companies to the region.”, says Ray Hagerman, Executive Director, Muhlenberg Economic

Growth Alliance (MEGA).

“Muhlenberg County is an important part of our service area, and we are eager to explore new

programming and training opportunities that the college can offer in this facility.”, says Dr. Cynthia Kelley, President, Madisonville Community College. “At MCC, we are committed to delivering quality training and being a strong partner in fostering economic growth and development in the county.”

The purchase price for the property was $175,000 with the assistance of the Felix E. Martin Jr.

Foundation. The modest amount of renovations and upgrades necessary, as well as operating

expenses, will be funded by various grants and contributions by industry. MEGA will be the

primary operating partner of the facility.

“The Foundation is thrilled to partner on this transformative project with a $200,000 grant allowing the County to secure ownership of the facility,” says Alyssa Manning, President of the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation. “With strong partnerships and an innovative vision already in place, the Regional Workforce Training Center will provide immediate benefits for workers and existing companies in our area, and long-term plans will open new opportunities for economic growth, workforce development, and new industrial prospects in the County.”, said Alyssa Manning, President of the Felix E. Martin, Jr. Foundation.