Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted exciting new momentum within the state’s maritime transportation and logistics sectors as Hines Furlong Line (HFL) announced plans to expand its current operation in McCracken County, a nearly $11 million investment that will add 50 new, well-paying Kentucky jobs.
“One of Kentucky’s greatest assets is its natural resources and waterways, making our maritime transportation and logistics operations one of the best in the country,” said Gov. Beshear. “When quality companies like Hines Furlong Line choose to reinvest in themselves and their communities, it plays a critical role in propelling our state’s economy forward. This is a welcome investment in the Western Kentucky region that will provide 50 high-paying jobs for the local workforce. I am looking forward to HFL’s continued and long-term success.”
In response to continued growth and to prepare for future expansion, HFL plans to construct a new 15,000-square-foot building at their current operation at its Paducah Operations Center. The new facility will provide expanded office space to support increased employees and improve operational efficiency. The project will also include renovating approximately 7,000 square feet of the existing facility to include a modern mariner training center and employee gym. The expansion will more than triple the current operational space of the facility, helping to improve workforce development, safety training and employee well-being. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.
“This expansion positions Hines Furlong Line for our next chapter of growth,” said Kent Furlong, president and founder of Hines Furlong Line. “The partnership between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and local leaders has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and we’re grateful for their collaboration as we invest in the facilities, training and operational capabilities that will carry our industry and Kentucky’s economic growth forward.”
Hines Furlong Line is a family-owned company with a legacy spanning more than five generations in the inland river transportation industry. Founded in 2004 by Kent E. Furlong, grandson of river industry pioneer James G. Hines, the company builds on over a century of family experience serving the U.S. inland waterways. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, HFL provides comprehensive marine transportation and logistics services with operations extending across the inland river system. The company operates a modern fleet of towboats and tank barges, maintaining a strong presence in Paducah, which serves as a key operational hub for vessel management, logistics and maintenance. The organization also recently announced its intention to acquire Campbell Transportation Co.’s River Division, a strategic move that will significantly enhance and extend HFL’s operational capabilities along the full length of the Ohio River.
“As a major inland marine transportation and barge-leasing firm, Hines Furlong is a key component of Kentucky’s river economy,” said McCracken County Judge/Executive Craig Clymer. “It provides essential capacity for moving bulk commodities on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers through Kentucky, and particularly Paducah/McCracken County. Its investments in modern vessels, shipyard services, and Kentucky-based crews strengthen regional commerce, support local jobs, and help ensure reliability of river transportation relied upon by many Kentucky industries.”
“Hines Furlong Line’s investment represents a tremendous opportunity for Paducah and McCracken County,” Paducah Mayor George Bray said. “This investment reinforces Paducah’s position as the leader in the inland waterways. As a family-owned company, Hines Furlong Line embodies the values of hard work, innovation and commitment that define our region. We deeply appreciate and enthusiastically support Hines Furlong Line’s decision to grow and invest in our community.”
“The additional investment underscores Hines Furlong’s commitment to growing inland waterway transportation with Paducah, McCracken County being a strategic partner,” said Bruce Wilcox, president and CEO of Greater Paducah Economic Development. “This additional investment and commitment to grow in Paducah strengthens Paducah’s presence even more in the maritime industry while also complementing Paducah’s community development plan. We are thrilled to see a family-owned company like Hines Furlong succeed and continue to invest in our community.”