Systems Solutions plans a $2 million expansion
Posted: Thursday, April 02, 2015 12:24 AM
BY DAVID ZOELLER
When Systems Solutions officials built their existing building in Paducah Commerce Park in 2010, they thought the 5,000-square-foot structure would allow for all the expansion they would need.
"When we came out here a little over four years ago, we had lots of room and lots of space," said Charles Lindsey, general manager, during Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony where plans for a new corporate headquarters and technical support center were unveiled.
"And, two years into it we thought uh-oh, this is not going to take us where we need to be. So, about two years ago we started talking and planning, and it led us to where are today."
Where they are today is on the verge of building a 10,000-square-foot facility adjacent to their current one, a $2 million investment that will allow the company to expand, hire additional staff and grow as its needs continue to evolve.
"This is a big deal for us, folks," Lindsey said. "This is a wonderful time in the life our company."
According to Tim Farmer, president, when Systems Solutions made the move out to Commerce Park, it had 19 employees. Today it has 30 with plans for more.
"I would say over the next three years we'll be looking to hire about 20 additional employees," Farmer said. "In the new facility, we'll be able to house up to 60, and then if we house up to 30 in our current facility ... we may be up to a total of 90."
The new facility will allow Systems Solutions "to continue to offer the highest quality technical services in the region, and assist us in growing our presence not only in the state of Kentucky, but in surrounding states and across the nation," Farmer said.
Systems Solutions opened in the fall of 1985 as a Computerland retail franchise, according to Farmer. The name changed in 1992 to better reflect the company's missionof building long-term partnerships with customers and providing computer-related expertise.
City, county and economic development officials lauded the company's expansion.
To have a local company "invest, and reinvest in the community is the most exciting thing," said City Commissioner Allan Rhodes.
County Judge-Executive Bob Leeper said the city and county are working together "to make tomorrow a better day than today, and thanks to these folks and their announcement, today is a better day than yesterday."
Sandra Wilson, president of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, called the announcement an opportunity to highlight the positive things happening in the area.
"I want to thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you today and congratulate you on some new growth in our community," Wilson said.
"Technical companies have to evolve to survive because the industry changes so quickly," Lindsey said. "We have been able to successfully navigate those changes in a way that has allowed us to grow into the company we are today."
Of his hometown, Farmer said: "What I like about Paducah is we are in a tertiary market. I would call Chicago and New York a primary market. I would call Nashville a secondary market ... and Paducah is in a tertiary market. We kind of fly under the radar screen (regarding competitors)."
Paducah has a lot of things going for it, Farmer said, including its cost of living, its geographical location in relation to other cities of interest, and a shorter commute to work.
While admitting that attracting employees to the area can be a challenge, "once we get employees to Paducah ... the city pretty much sells itself."
Contact David Zoeller, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8676.