Brooke Martin
Mayfield, Kentucky, is a hub for manufacturing and food processing, with Mayfield Consumer Products being one of the town's notable candle-making businesses. The company's factory, which was located at 112 Industrial Drive in Mayfield, was devastated by a tornado in December 2021, causing the building to collapse. The tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayfield, ripping storefronts open and uprooting large trees. This tragedy brought attention to the town's economic landscape, with 35% of Mayfield's residents living in poverty, according to the census. While the candle factory's specific products are not publicly known, the incident highlighted the resilience of the community and the importance of the manufacturing industry in the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Mayfield, Kentucky |
| Factory Name | Mayfield Consumer Products |
| Factory Owner | The Propes Family |
| Factory Size | 120,000 sq ft |
| Address | 112 Industrial Drive, Mayfield |
| Year of Expansion | 2018 |
| Jobs Created | 52 full-time jobs |
| Community Investment | $8.3 million |
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What You'll Learn
Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, was the scene of devastation on Friday, December 10, 2021, when a tornado ripped through the building. The factory, which stood at 112 Industrial Drive in Mayfield, was home to the candle-making business of Mayfield Consumer Products. The company is owned by the Propes family and is a major employer in the city, where 35% of residents live in poverty.
On that fateful night, a Facebook video posted from inside the factory captured the horror faced by those trapped by debris. In the video, a woman believed to be Kyanna Lou begged for help, saying, "The wall is stuck on me," and that no one could reach them. As of midnight, no deaths were reported, but Kentucky State Police expected a loss of life. Crews worked to find and rescue those trapped under the rubble, with people digging through the rubble and calling for more volunteers to help.
The tornado caused widespread destruction in Mayfield, ripping open storefronts and uprooting large trees. The factory itself was described as "completely gone," with vehicles sitting in what used to be the middle of the building. The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, declared a state of emergency and activated the Kentucky Guard and Kentucky State Police to respond to the devastation.
Mayfield Consumer Products had been expanding its candle-making business before the tornado struck. The company was investing $8.3 million in the community and creating 52 full-time jobs by expanding into the former Remington Outdoor Company plant in the Hickory Industrial Park.
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Workers trapped in the factory after a tornado
On the evening of Friday, December 10, 2021, a devastating tornado ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky, causing severe damage to buildings and homes and tragically claiming the lives of many residents. One of the most devastating scenes of destruction was at the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory, where approximately 110 employees were working when the tornado struck.
The large, metal-framed warehouse building that housed the candle factory collapsed, trapping workers under rubble and resulting in eight deaths and numerous injuries. The factory, which stood at 112 Industrial Drive in Mayfield, was said to be 120,000 square feet, and the entire building was levelled, with vehicles ending up in the middle of what used to be the structure.
In the aftermath of the tornado, harrowing accounts emerged of workers who were trapped inside the candle factory. One woman, Kyanna Lou, posted a desperate plea for help on Facebook, saying, "The wall is stuck on me. Nobody can get to the factory to assist us." Another trapped worker took to social media to describe the dire situation, saying, "They told us not to move because if we move, we may cause the stuff to fall more. I can't feel my legs."
The rescue efforts at the candle factory were challenging, and crews worked tirelessly to find and rescue those trapped under the rubble. Governor Andy Beshear expressed his concern, stating, "We're gonna lose a lot of lives in that facility. I pray that there will be another rescue." The last successful rescue was reported to have occurred at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, and the governor provided updates as the state navigated the crisis.
Adding to the tragedy, accusations surfaced that factory management prohibited workers from leaving before the tornado struck. Workers claimed they were threatened with firing if they left between the first and second tornado warnings. This led to multiple lawsuits being filed against Mayfield Consumer Products, alleging false imprisonment, emotional distress, and violation of Kentucky law. The factory closed in December 2017, and approximately 250 workers were laid off as operations shifted to a new plant.
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Expansion of the candle factory
The expansion of the candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, is a significant development for the region, bringing much-needed jobs and investment to the community. Mayfield Consumer Products, owned by the Propes family, has undertaken this expansion with a commitment to creating 52 full-time jobs and investing $8.3 million into the local economy. This expansion is a welcome boost to the area, which has a significant portion of its residents living in poverty and primarily working in manufacturing and food processing.
The candle factory's expansion is a strategic move, utilising the former Remington Outdoor Company plant in the Hickory Industrial Park. This expansion into a larger space allows for increased production capacity and the potential for future growth. The factory's previous location, at 112 Industrial Drive in Mayfield, may have constrained their ability to scale their candle-making business.
The new facility provides an opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. With a larger space, the candle factory can accommodate more advanced machinery and equipment, streamline production processes, and potentially increase output. The expansion also enables the company to hire more employees, contributing to the local economy and providing families with stable incomes.
This expansion also has the potential to attract further investment and development to the region. With a successful local business expanding, Mayfield and Graves County can showcase their appeal to other businesses considering expansion or relocation. This could lead to a positive cycle of economic growth, with new businesses creating more jobs, attracting talent, and encouraging innovation in the area.
The expansion of the candle factory is a testament to the resilience and potential of the community in Mayfield, Kentucky. It demonstrates the ability of local businesses to adapt, grow, and bring positive change to the region. The investment and job creation resulting from this expansion will have a lasting impact on the community, providing opportunities for residents and contributing to the area's long-term prosperity.
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Candle-making business in a former firearms plant
Mayfield, Kentucky, is home to a candle factory, Mayfield Consumer Products, which is located at 112 Industrial Drive. The factory was devastated by a tornado in December 2021, with workers trapped in the rubble. The factory once stood at 120,000 square feet, but the tornado destroyed the entire building, leaving cars and a tractor-trailer in its place.
The candle-making business was established in a former firearms plant, the Hickory Pointe Remington Outdoor Company plant, located in the Hickory Industrial Park. The expansion of the plant into the former firearms facility brought 52 full-time jobs and a $8.3 million community investment to Mayfield and Graves County.
The Propes family owns Mayfield Consumer Products and announced the expansion, along with local officials and leaders. The company's presence in the community is significant, as 35% of Mayfield's residents live in poverty, and the area's main industries are manufacturing and food processing.
While the tornado caused devastation, with the governor of Kentucky declaring a state of emergency, the candle factory's presence in the former firearms plant highlights the area's potential for economic development and job creation. The expansion of Mayfield Consumer Products demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the community, showcasing the diverse range of industries present in Mayfield, from candle-making to firearms.
The candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, serves as a reminder of the town's ability to transform and create new opportunities, even in the face of natural disasters. The community's response to the tragedy, with volunteers digging through the rubble to rescue those trapped, exemplifies the strength and unity of Mayfield's residents.
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Types of candles made in Mayfield, Kentucky
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, produces a range of candles. While the specific types of candles they make are not readily available, it is known that they create scented candles. This is because the company deals in fragrances, as evidenced by their production of scented body lotion and shower gel.
The candle factory in Mayfield is a well-known establishment that has been in operation for several years. In 2018, the company expanded its candle-making business into a former firearms plant, creating 52 new full-time jobs and bringing an $8.3 million community investment to Mayfield and Graves County.
The factory is a significant employer in the area, with many residents of Mayfield working in manufacturing. The company's products are likely sold locally and possibly online, although specific sales information is not readily available.
While the factory primarily produces candles, it is unclear if they produce other candle-related products or offer additional services. In 2021, a tornado struck the factory, causing severe damage and trapping workers underneath the rubble. The incident brought attention to the candle factory in Mayfield, with many people offering help and support to those affected.
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