Chloe Adams
Mayfield Consumer Products is an American family-owned company based in Mayfield, Kentucky, that manufactures candles and home fragrance products. The company sells candles and fragrances to retailers like Bath & Body Works. In 2018, the company invested over $8.3 million to expand its operations. On December 10, 2021, a tornado struck one of Mayfield's factories, resulting in casualties and sparking controversy over allegations that employees were forced to remain in the factory during the storm. Costco also sells Mayfield Luxury 135oz candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Mayfield Consumer Products LLC |
| Company Type | Family-owned business |
| Year Established | 1998 |
| Location | Mayfield, Kentucky |
| Products | Candles, candle accessories, home fragrance products |
| Retailers | Bath & Body Works |
| Factory Location | 112 Industrial Drive, Mayfield |
| Number of Employees | 110+ |
| Incidents | 2021 tornado, resulting in casualties and injuries |
| Investment | $8.3 million in 2018 for expansion |
| Tax Incentives | $1.5 million in 2011 and 2018 |
| OSHA Inspection | 12 violations identified in 2019 |
| Recent Investment | $33.3 million in 2022 for job creation |
| Distributors | Costco |
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What You'll Learn
Mayfield Consumer Products: a family-owned candle company
Mayfield Consumer Products is an American family-owned company based in Mayfield, Kentucky. It was established in 1998 by Mary Propes, who started the business in her garage. The company manufactures branded candles and home fragrance products, which it sells to retailers such as Bath & Body Works. Over the years, Mayfield Consumer Products has expanded its operations and invested in new facilities, becoming one of the largest private employers in Graves County, Kentucky.
The company's candle factory in Mayfield was devastated by a tornado on December 10, 2021, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The tragedy brought attention to the company's working conditions and its decision to keep employees working amid severe weather warnings. Following the incident, Mayfield Consumer Products faced multiple lawsuits and public scrutiny.
Despite the challenges, Mayfield Consumer Products remains a prominent candle manufacturer. In 2022, the company announced plans to invest $33.3 million in its business, creating over 500 new jobs. The company's commitment to its employees and the community is evident through its emergency fund established after the tornado disaster.
Mayfield Consumer Products' candles are known for their curated fragrances and blends of pure essential oils. The company's luxury candle collection, available at Costco, features decorative glass jars and long-lasting burn times. The fragrances in this collection include Ocean Vetiver and Grapefruit Sandalwood.
Mayfield Consumer Products has demonstrated resilience and a dedication to its craft, overcoming setbacks while maintaining its position as a notable family-owned candle company in the United States.
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The Kentucky tornado of 2021
On December 10, 2021, a powerful tornado ripped through Western Kentucky, causing severe damage and destruction in its wake. The tornado, referred to as the Western Kentucky tornado, the Mayfield tornado, or "The Beast," left a trail of devastation across multiple counties, including Graves County, Marshall County, and Fulton County.
In Mayfield alone, the tornado damaged or destroyed over 4,000 structures, including residences, commercial buildings, and low-income rental housing units. The courthouse in Mayfield was also destroyed, leading to the suspension of court operations in the county. The tornado's impact on Mayfield was particularly devastating, with the local newspaper, the Mayfield Messenger, distributing extra copies for free around the city to keep residents informed.
One of the most tragic incidents during the tornado occurred at the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory, where the building collapsed, trapping the 110 employees inside. Unfortunately, eight people lost their lives, and many others were injured. The company faced multiple lawsuits due to allegations of forcing their employees to stay in the factory during the storm.
The Kentucky tornado was part of a larger tornado outbreak that affected several states in the Southern United States and the Ohio Valley from December 10 to 11, 2021. It was the deadliest on record in December, with 74 fatalities in Kentucky alone and at least 672 injuries. The outbreak caused an estimated $3.9 billion in damages and set a new record for confirmed tornadoes in the month of December.
In the aftermath of the tornado, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency for parts of western Kentucky, and U.S. President Joe Biden approved a federal emergency disaster declaration for the state. The Mayfield candle company, a family-owned business, received an outpouring of support from the community, and they established an emergency fund to assist their employees and families affected by the tragedy.
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Rescue efforts and lawsuits
On December 10, 2021, a tornado levelled a Mayfield candle-making factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. The factory, owned by Mayfield Consumer Products, housed 110 employees at the time of the incident. Rescue efforts began on December 11, 2021, with most employees accounted for by December 13.
Mayfield Consumer Products faced multiple lawsuits following the incident, with allegations that employees were forced to remain in the factory despite the threat of an expected tornado. The company denied these claims, stating that they had a policy in place allowing employees to leave at any time. However, some employees alleged that they were threatened with disciplinary action or even termination if they left due to the impending tornado.
The lawsuits against Mayfield Consumer Products sought a jury trial, compensation, punitive damages, and legal fees. One of the largest lawsuits was a mass action filed on behalf of the families of four deceased employees and 14 survivors. As of December 2024, three years after the incident, this and three other lawsuits remained unresolved. Lawyers representing the former employees acknowledged the slow pace of litigation, expressing frustration at the lack of results.
In response to the tragedy, Mayfield Consumer Products CEO Troy Propes announced the establishment of an emergency fund to assist affected employees and their families. The company also stated that it was conducting an independent review of procedures, separate from the investigation by the governor's office.
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Expansion and tax breaks
Mayfield Consumer Products is an American family-owned company based in Mayfield, Kentucky. It manufactures branded candles and home fragrance products. In 2018, the company invested over $8.3 million to expand its operations.
In 2008, the company laid off 91 workers—42% of its total workforce—due to a weak economy and low post-Christmas demand. However, in 2011 and 2018, as economic conditions improved, the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet authorized a total of up to $1.5 million in tax incentives for Mayfield Consumer Products. These tax breaks were offered in exchange for the company adding up to 68 jobs at its factory.
The company's facility had recently expanded with "assloads" of tax breaks, according to some sources. In 2022, Mayfield Consumer Products planned to invest $33.3 million to create more than 500 jobs. This investment demonstrates the company's continued expansion and commitment to creating more job opportunities.
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Retailers and customers
Mayfield Consumer Products is an American family-owned company based in Mayfield, Kentucky. It manufactures branded candles and home fragrance products. The company was started in 1998 by Mary Propes and has since sold candles and fragrances to retailers like Bath & Body Works.
In 2018, Mayfield Consumer Products invested more than $8.3 million to expand its operations. Unfortunately, on December 10, 2021, a tornado levelled one of their factories, along with the nearby town of Mayfield, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Mayfield Candle Company, a division of Mayfield Consumer Products, offers luxury candles in 135 oz sizes. These candles are crafted using curated fragrances and blends of pure essential oils. The candles are made from a premium soy wax blend and offer over 200 hours of burn time. They are available for purchase at Costco, both online and in-store.
Retailers looking to stock Mayfield candles can contact the company directly or place orders through authorised distributors. It is important to note that Costco Business Delivery accepts orders for the Mayfield Luxury 135 oz Candle from retailers holding a Costco Business membership with a valid tobacco resale license.
Customers seeking to purchase Mayfield candles can visit their local Costco warehouse or order online through Costco's website. The product availability may vary across different warehouses, and delivery options are subject to change based on location.
In addition to Costco, customers can explore other authorised retailers that stock Mayfield candles. These retailers may include home décor stores, specialty fragrance shops, or gift boutiques that cater to customers seeking premium scented candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Mayfield Consumer Products, a family-owned business based in Mayfield, Kentucky, manufactures Mayfield candles.
Mayfield candles are available at Costco.
Mayfield candles are crafted using curated fragrances with blends of pure essential oils and a premium soy wax blend.
The Mayfield Luxury 135oz candle has a burn time of over 200 hours.
