Jessie Taylor
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, was destroyed by a tornado on December 10, 2021, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The factory, owned by the Propes family, manufactured candles and home fragrance products for popular brands like Bath & Body Works. The tragedy sparked controversy, with employees filing lawsuits against the company for allegedly threatening to fire them if they left the building before the tornado struck. As the community grapples with the aftermath, Mayfield Consumer Products plans a $33.3 million expansion, aiming to employ over 500 full-time workers in the coming years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Mayfield Consumer Products |
| Year Established | 1998 |
| Founder | Mary Propes |
| Current Owner | Propes Family |
| Location | 112 Industrial Drive, Mayfield, Kentucky |
| Business Type | Family-owned |
| Products | Candles, candle accessories, home fragrance products |
| Customers | Top global brands, including Bath & Body Works |
| Employment | 160 people in western Kentucky; previously employed up to 550 people |
| Controversies | Lawsuits filed by employees after a tornado hit the factory in 2021, resulting in multiple casualties; Allegations of forcing employees to stay in the factory during the tornado; OSHA identified safety violations in 2019 |
| Expansion Plans | $33.3 million expansion announced in 2022, aiming to employ more than 500 full-time workers over the next five years |
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What You'll Learn
The factory was owned by Mayfield Consumer Products LLC
Mayfield Consumer Products LLC employed around 550 workers in its factory and was one of the largest private employers in Graves County. The company faced a tragedy in December 2021 when a tornado struck its factory, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The tornado caused significant damage to the building and trapped many workers under the collapsed roof.
In the aftermath of the tornado, the company faced controversy and lawsuits due to allegations that employees were threatened with termination if they left the building before the tornado struck. Mayfield Consumer Products LLC denied these accusations. The company also received fines for safety violations identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in previous inspections.
Despite the challenges, Mayfield Consumer Products LLC demonstrated resilience and commitment to the community. They established an emergency fund for affected employees and their families and received support from local officials for their expansion plans. The company announced a $33.3 million investment to rebuild and expand its operations, with plans to employ more than 500 full-time workers over the next five years.
The expansion includes the construction of a 40,000-square-foot facility and an additional 63,000-square-foot expansion, demonstrating the company's determination to recover and contribute to the economic healing of Mayfield and Graves County.
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The tornado struck during the Friday night shift
The Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, was destroyed by a tornado on Friday, December 10, 2021. The tornado struck during the Friday night shift when 110 people were working in the factory. Eight fatalities were confirmed, and eight people were reported missing. The death toll was later revised as more survivors were located.
The factory, located at 112 Industrial Drive in Mayfield, was family-owned and manufactured candles, candle accessories, and home fragrance products. It was founded in 1998 by Mary Propes, who started the business in her garage. The company supplied products to major brands such as Bath & Body Works.
On the night of the tornado, seven inmates from the Graves County jail were working in the factory as part of a labor agreement with the local government. They survived, but the jailer overseeing them was killed. The factory was at peak operations gearing up for Christmas when the tornado struck.
Mayfield Consumer Products faced multiple lawsuits due to allegations that employees were threatened with firing if they tried to leave the building before the tornado hit. The company denied these accusations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had previously identified safety violations at the factory in 2019, resulting in fines.
The tornado caused the factory to collapse, trapping employees under the collapsed roof. Rescue crews worked to search for survivors and assist those impacted by the disaster. The company established an emergency fund to support its employees and their families.
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Eight people died, with multiple injuries and missing people
The name of the candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, is Mayfield Consumer Products LLC, also known as MCP and Mayfield Consumer Products. The factory, located at 112 Industrial Drive in Mayfield, was destroyed by a powerful tornado on December 10, 2021, resulting in tragic casualties. Eight people lost their lives, with multiple injuries reported and several individuals missing.
Mayfield Consumer Products is a family-owned company, established in 1998 by Mary Propes, who started the business in her garage. Over the years, the company expanded its operations and employed a significant number of people in Western Kentucky. On the night of the tornado, 110 workers were in the factory, and tragically, eight of them lost their lives.
The tornado caused the factory's roof to collapse, trapping the workers underneath. The company faced intense scrutiny and multiple lawsuits due to allegations that management threatened to fire employees if they left the building before the tornado struck. This allegation sparked controversy, with employees filing lawsuits and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigating the factory for safety violations.
The impact of the tornado left the community devastated, with rescue crews working tirelessly to locate survivors and assist those affected. The company established an emergency fund to support its employees and their families in the aftermath of the disaster. The factory's destruction and the loss of life highlighted the seriousness of the situation, and OSHA's investigation aimed to address any safety concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tornado's impact on the Mayfield candle factory underscores the devastating consequences that natural disasters can have on businesses and communities. The factory's collapse and the subsequent loss of life serve as a somber reminder of the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety protocols. The response to the tragedy, including the rescue efforts and the company's support for its employees, demonstrates the resilience and compassion of the community in the face of adversity.
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The factory had previously been fined for safety violations
The Mayfield Consumer Products factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, was hit by a tornado on December 10, 2021, resulting in eight deaths and multiple injuries. The factory, owned by Mayfield Consumer Products LLC, manufactured candles, candle accessories, and home fragrance products.
The company faced multiple lawsuits due to allegations that employees were threatened with firing if they tried to leave the building before the tornado hit. The company was also cited for safety violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which stated that the building had "serious" safety violations. In 2019, OSHA inspected the factory and issued a report identifying 12 violations, seven of which were labeled as "serious," resulting in a total fine of $16,350. The violations included issues with electrical protective equipment, maintenance, safeguards, and personal protective equipment.
Following the deadly tornado in December 2021, OSHA again cited the company for seven serious offenses, carrying fines of $40,000. Mayfield Consumer Products contested all seven violations, which included maintenance, safeguards, operational features for exit routes, emergency action plans, and bloodborne pathogens. The citations noted that six employees died from blunt-force trauma when the building collapsed.
The company has been the subject of controversy due to the safety violations and the lawsuits filed by employees. As of January 2025, OSHA was still investigating the factory. The factory has since been rebuilt and expanded with a $33.3 million investment, and the company plans to employ more than 500 people full-time over the next five years.
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The company is rebuilding and expanding with a $33.3 million investment
Mayfield Consumer Products LLC, the Mayfield, Kentucky-based candle factory that was destroyed by a tornado in December 2021, is rebuilding and expanding with a $33.3 million investment. The company plans to employ more than 500 full-time workers over the next five years, according to Gov. Andy Beshear's office. The investment comes after the factory's collapse during an EF-4 tornado on December 10, 2021, which resulted in the deaths of nine people and multiple injuries.
The company, which manufactures branded candles and home fragrance products, has already begun construction on a 40,000-square-foot expansion that includes a $2.3 million investment. They plan to further expand by 63,000 square feet with a $31 million commitment, bringing the total space at its Hickory Industrial Park facility to 300,000 square feet. This expansion will help consolidate operations in Graves County, as the company had lost a separate facility during the tornadoes.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved a 10-year incentive agreement with Mayfield Consumer Products in 2018 under the Kentucky Business Investment program. This agreement will likely be modified to reflect the new investment. Additionally, KEDFA approved the company for up to $100,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, allowing them to recoup state taxes on construction costs and equipment for research and development.
The expansion is welcomed by local officials as a boost to the rebuilding process and a sign of the company's commitment to the community. "This expansion will re-establish the company's employment base in the region and adds to the overall rebuilding efforts, "Gov. Beshear said. Mayfield Consumer Products' founder, Mary Propes, affirmed the company's dedication to the Graves County community and their desire to be a "big part" of the restoration and rebuilding process.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, is Mayfield Consumer Products LLC.
On December 10, 2021, the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory was destroyed by a powerful tornado. The tornado made a direct hit on the factory, causing its collapse and trapping the 110 employees inside.
Sadly, yes. Eight people died, and multiple others were injured.
