This Louisville neighborhood could become the 'epicenter of modular housing.' Here's how
Modular homes designed to be built more quickly and affordably than traditional construction could soon begin rolling out of a new manufacturing facility in Louisville's Parkland neighborhood.
On Thursday, MMY Global announced plans to invest $6.1 million in the facility, creating 73 full-time jobs with more expected as production ramps up.
The announcement makes good on Mayor Craig Greenberg's commitment to draw a company of MMY's kind to Louisville as part of his larger plan to add or preserve 15,000 homes within his first term. And it positions western Louisville as the "epicenter of modular housing construction" − a growing industry as cities nationwide attempt to address the ongoing housing crisis, Greenberg said at a press conference, standing alongside Gov. Andy Beshear and Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins.
"Basically every city needs more of what MMY is going to be doing right here in Louisville because every city, like Louisville, needs more affordable, quality housing units for all people in their city," Greenberg said.
MMY is based in the United Kingdom, and the Louisville factory will be its first in the United States.
Louisville Metro Government has awarded MMY a $500,000 grant to open the facility on Beech Street.
The company specializes in scalable, multiplex homes that can be built in a factory, then transported to a property − a process it says is more efficient and sustainable than on-site construction.
Robin Bartram Brown, CEO of MMY US, said the company will be able to produce up to 500 units per year from the Louisville facility, with an opportunity to grow to 1,000 units annually.
Production is expected to start later this year. The average wage at the facility will be $30 per hour, with a minimum of $23 per hour. At least 50% of jobs will be reserved for Louisville residents, with preference given to people living in the nine West End neighborhoods.
"What we're doing here is intentional," Bartram Brown said. "It's not only about providing high-quality options for homes in Louisville, Kentucky. But that's a big part of it. We're here to make a positive change. Parkland is now our U.S. home, and we're committed to driving economic growth, transforming this job site and putting local residents first for jobs. We aim to make a real difference in this community by focusing on what we can achieve together in the future."
Councilwoman Hawkins said she is grateful for MMY's commitment to the area and she looks forward to the impacts the company can bring.
"Sustainability is important," she said. "Generational wealth is vital. I am sure this new facility will help bring that. This advanced manufacturing facility will bring positivity to our community and improve the quality of life for our residents because just like all parts of Louisville, the west deserves the best."
Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at bloosemore@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4646 or on Twitter @bloosemore.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Modular home company to open factory, bring jobs to Louisville
