Ben Carter
Mayfield Consumer Products is an American family-owned candle company based in Mayfield, Kentucky. The company was founded in 1998 by Mary Propes, who started the business in her garage. Over the years, Mayfield Consumer Products expanded its operations globally and became one of the largest manufacturers of scented candles, supplying to prominent retailers like Bath & Body Works. Unfortunately, in December 2021, a tornado struck the Mayfield candle factory, resulting in tragic losses and sparking controversies related to employee safety and labour conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Mayfield Consumer Products |
| Year established | 1998 |
| Founder | Mary Propes |
| Location | Mayfield, Kentucky |
| Type of company | American family-owned company |
| Products | Branded candles and home fragrance products |
| Year of tornado incident | 2021 |
| Number of employees at the time of the tornado | 110 |
| Number of deaths in the tornado incident | 8 |
| Year of layoffs | 2008 |
| Number of layoffs | 91 |
| Year of tax incentives | 2011, 2018 |
| Amount of tax incentives | $1.5 million |
| Year of health and safety inspection | 2019 |
| Number of violations found in the inspection | 12 |
| Fine amount | $16,350 |
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What You'll Learn
- Mayfield Consumer Products is a family-owned candle company
- The company was founded by Mary Propes in her garage in the 1990s
- A tornado hit the Mayfield candle factory in December 2021, killing eight people
- The company has faced multiple lawsuits, including one claiming flagrant indifference to employees' rights
- The candle factory advertises 10-12 hour shifts starting at $8 an hour
Mayfield Consumer Products is a family-owned candle company
Mayfield Consumer Products is a global leader in home fragrances, with consolidated global revenue of $228 million. The company owns premium scented candle brands such as Colonial Candle and supplies its products to top retailers in the USA, including Bath & Body Works. In 2018, the company invested over $8.3 million to expand its operations.
However, on December 10, 2021, a tornado struck the Mayfield candle factory, resulting in tragic consequences. The tornado destroyed the factory, trapping the 110 employees inside under the collapsed roof. Unfortunately, there were fatalities and multiple injuries. The company faced lawsuits due to allegations of forcing employees to stay in the factory despite the approaching storm.
In the aftermath of the tornado, Mayfield Consumer Products established an emergency fund to assist affected employees and their families. The company also faced criticism for its labour practices, including the use of inmate labour and a text message from the chief financial officer that referenced "cleaning up" employees with certain medical conditions.
Despite the challenges, Mayfield Consumer Products remains a significant employer in the region, with plans to invest $33.3 million and create more than 500 jobs. The company's rich heritage, family roots, and strong values continue to guide its operations.
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$19.99 $21.95
The company was founded by Mary Propes in her garage in the 1990s
Mayfield Consumer Products, a candle and home fragrance product manufacturer, was founded by Mary Propes in the mid-1990s. What began as a small business operating out of Propes' garage has since grown into one of the largest candle-making companies in the world. Based in Mayfield, Kentucky, the company is American-owned and has a rich history that spans over two decades.
In its early years, the company, started by Propes, sold candles and fragrances to well-known retailers such as Bath & Body Works. Over time, the business expanded its operations, investing over $8.3 million in 2018 to increase its production capabilities. The Mayfield candle factory, established by Propes, was a significant part of this expansion, providing jobs for people in the local community and contributing to the local economy.
However, tragedy struck on December 10, 2021, when a powerful tornado levelled the Mayfield factory, resulting in multiple casualties. The tornado caused extensive damage to the building, trapping employees under the collapsed roof. The disaster sparked controversy, with lawsuits filed against the company for allegedly forcing employees to remain in the factory despite the impending storm.
Despite the challenges faced, Mayfield Consumer Products remains a prominent name in the candle and home fragrance industry. The company's resilience and commitment to its employees and customers have been instrumental in its continued success. The story of Mayfield Consumer Products is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Mary Propes, who turned a small garage operation into a thriving business that has touched the lives of people worldwide.
Today, the company continues to honour its roots while adapting to the changing market demands, solidifying its place as a leading manufacturer of scented candles and home fragrance products.
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A tornado hit the Mayfield candle factory in December 2021, killing eight people
On December 10, 2021, a tornado struck the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight people. The company, founded in 1998 by Mary Propes, is a family-owned business that manufactures branded candles and home fragrance products. It supplies scented candles to prominent retailers across the United States, including Bath & Body Works.
The tornado caused widespread destruction, levelling the factory and trapping the 110 employees inside under the collapsed roof. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, but the final death toll was lower than initially feared, with eight confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries. The disaster prompted lawsuits against the company, with allegations that employees were forced to remain in the factory despite the approaching storm.
In the aftermath of the tornado, the company faced intense scrutiny and criticism. There were questions about why workers were still making candles during the tornado, as well as concerns over labour conditions and worker treatment. The company had previously faced labour shortages and had a history of safety violations, with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifying 12 violations in 2019, seven of which were labelled as "serious."
The impact of the tornado extended beyond the factory, affecting the wider community in Mayfield. The company was a significant employer in the area, providing jobs to around 100 people and supporting families in the region. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of workers and the challenges of ensuring their safety during extreme weather events.
The tornado caused extensive damage to the factory, and in January 2025, it was announced that about half of the Mayfield candle factory employees would be permanently laid off. The closure of the Mayfield facility was attributed to the natural disaster, with the company stating that neither the disaster nor the resulting business circumstances were foreseeable. The survivors of the tornado faced physical and emotional trauma, and the disaster left a lasting impact on the community.
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The company has faced multiple lawsuits, including one claiming flagrant indifference to employees' rights
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, has faced multiple lawsuits in the wake of a devastating tornado that hit the region in December 2021. The tornado caused the factory to collapse, resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuring several others. The company faced intense scrutiny and legal action due to allegations of forcing their employees to remain in the factory despite the severe weather conditions.
One of the most prominent lawsuits against Mayfield Consumer Products is a mass action lawsuit filed on behalf of the families of the deceased employees and the survivors. This lawsuit alleges that the company threatened employees with termination if they left their shifts early, even as tornado warning sirens sounded. The plaintiffs claim that their supervisors' actions led to the tragic loss of life and injuries that could have been avoided. The lawsuit also accused the company spokesperson, Bob Ferguson, of defamation and portraying employees in a false light by publicly contradicting their claims about the events that unfolded during the tornado.
In addition to the mass action lawsuit, there have been other legal actions taken against Mayfield Consumer Products. One such case involves a civil rights lawsuit filed by Armando Rivera Hernandez, a laborer recruited by the company from Puerto Rico. Hernandez alleged that he was fired due to his weight after the company's chief financial officer, David Burch, sent a text message stating their intention to "clean up the epileptic, obese, pregnant, and special needs issues." This text message was also referenced in the mass action lawsuit, further supporting the claims of the plaintiffs.
The company has faced scrutiny for its labor practices, with reports of mandatory overtime and long shifts advertised for their employees. In 2019, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected the candle factory and found several violations, including issues with electrical protective equipment and personal protective equipment. These violations resulted in substantial fines, raising further concerns about the company's commitment to employee safety.
The lawsuits against Mayfield Consumer Products have had a slow progression, causing frustration among the affected individuals and their families. Despite the time that has passed, the impact of the tragedy remains, with workers struggling with denied compensation claims and ongoing financial difficulties. The company, owned by the Propes family, has pledged to conduct its own investigation of its safety measures and provide support to its employees and the affected families.
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The candle factory advertises 10-12 hour shifts starting at $8 an hour
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, advertises 10-12 hour shifts starting at $8 an hour. This rate is 75 cents more than the minimum wage. The company was founded by Mary Propes in the mid-1990s and has grown to become one of the largest candle-makers in the United States. Based in Mayfield, Kentucky, Mayfield Consumer Products is an American family-owned company that manufactures branded candles and home fragrance products.
The candle factory's starting wage of $8 per hour is a competitive rate that has attracted workers to the area. In fact, the factory is a major employer in Mayfield, providing jobs for many locals. The company has also invested in expanding its operations, including a $33.3 million investment in 2022 that was expected to create more than 500 jobs.
However, the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory has also faced some controversies. In 2019, the company was inspected by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which issued a report identifying 12 violations, seven of which were labelled as "serious." These violations resulted in fines totalling $16,350. Additionally, the company has faced lawsuits alleging that employees were forced to stay in the factory during severe weather events, including a tornado that levelled the factory in December 2021, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
Despite these controversies, the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory remains a significant business in Mayfield, Kentucky, providing employment and economic opportunities for the local community. The company's products can be found on the shelves of prominent US retailers, such as Bath & Body Works.
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Frequently asked questions
Mayfield Consumer Products is a candle company based in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Mayfield Consumer Products was founded in 1998 by Mary Propes, who started the business in her garage. The company expanded over the years and began selling candles and fragrances to retailers such as Bath & Body Works. In 2018, the company invested over $8 million to expand its operations.
On December 10, 2021, a tornado hit the Mayfield candle factory, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The company faced lawsuits due to allegations of forcing employees to stay in the factory during the storm.
