R/S Godwin Announces Expansion, Creating 65 New Jobs in Floyd County

R/S Godwin, a truck-body manufacturer with roots in Eastern Kentucky, recently announced an expansion plan that will add 110,000 square feet of production and warehousing space. This expansion will create 65 new jobs while allowing R/S Godwin to scale its operations.

“The Godwin Group is proud to be partnered with the state of Kentucky, Floyd County and surrounding areas to help R/S-Godwin continue to grow,” said Ryan Taylor, CEO of R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co. “We are proud that this will also see those citizens of this area prosper as well.”

R/S Godwin is investing $17.44 million in the property, highlighting its commitment to Floyd County and Eastern Kentucky as a whole. As it grows, so will the surrounding communities and the career potential of the people who work there. To enable growth and allow for increased productive output, R/S-Godwin is planning an expansion of land, buildings, and machinery. This type of manufacturing expansion will create skilled labor jobs for the following skillsets: welding, fabrication, CNC plasma, CNC pressbrakes, material handling, and more.

R/S Godwin Has Been Part of Eastern Kentucky Since 1968

R/S Godwin was founded nearly 60 years ago to support the coal industry. It was a local truck job shop that has continued to expand and offer new products to the industry. In 2002, R/S-Godwin was purchased by the Godwin Group out of North Carolina. This move further solidified the company’s presence in the truck equipment market. Today, R/S Godwin ships parts and dump truck bodies throughout the United States. It credits the “rugged mountains and mines of Appalachia” for testing its products and ensuring its trucks are ready for anything.

As R/S Godwin grew, so did its staff. Today, it employs 165 people with plans to expand. The 65 jobs it will bring to Floyd County will pay $36/hour, with the hiring department looking for skilled workers and team members who are ready to learn.

R/S Godwin is replacing a current tenant on the land it is expanding to. Kentucky Power supported this project with a Kentucky Power Economic Growth Grant (K-PEGG) to help facilitate the relocation of the current tenant. This relocation is helping retain 30 existing jobs in the community.

Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams thanked the company for reaffirming its commitment to the area: “Thanks to R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co. for choosing to continue to invest in Floyd County. Our county is a great place to grow a business, from mom-and-pop shops to manufacturing. I would also like to thank the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, One East Kentucky, and Kentucky Power for their work in supporting this project.”

R/S Godwin Has an Economic Impact of $127 Million

R/S Godwin has a strong presence in Floyd County, with an annual economic impact of $127 million, including forecasted revenue and payroll. However, its value extends well beyond its Ivel campus. The creation of high-paying jobs increases the community's spending power. Residents can allocate more of their income to local businesses, supporting restaurants, stores, and other entrepreneurs in the area.

“When a company like R/S Godwin expands, ripple effects are felt throughout the region,” says Colby Kirk, President of One East Kentucky. “People from 2 and 3 counties away come to work at R/S Godwin. Their growth also contributes to the local tax base, supporting local schools and county government.”

R/S Godwin has a storied past and bright future ahead that will continue to be tied to Eastern Kentucky. With this expansion, they solidify themselves as a manufacturing leader in the region and prove to other businesses the great opportunity that exists to invest in Eastern Kentucky.