When visitors step inside Kentucky’s newly renovated State Capitol a few years from now, they will be surrounded by more than the history and grandeur of the Commonwealth – they will also see the craftsmanship of Adair County.
From cabinets and countertops to reception desks, wall paneling and trim, much of the building’s custom woodwork will be manufactured locally by Morgan Smith Industries, LLC.
Morgan Smith Industries was recognized for its quality artistry and local economic impact Monday by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul. Sen. Paul presented company president and owner Jonathan Keith with a copy of the Congressional Record recognizing the company as the Senate Small Business of the Week, dated Aug. 4. Paul is a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
The gathering was open to the public and included a brief presentation. Keith and general manager Samantha Oakes led Paul on a tour of the facility. While the State Capitol contract may be a highlight for the company, their quality work is seen in commercial buildings across Kentucky, southern Indiana and Middle Tennessee. Their work may be found in universities, courthouses, government buildings and other commercial facilities. It can also be found in schools, including the newly constructed Adair County Middle School.
“Our portion of the Capitol project includes cabinets, countertops, reception desks, wall paneling, door jambs and casings,” Oakes told the Community Voice following the tour. “We also have a significant amount of work underway at the University of Kentucky. That includes the UK Johnson Center, the new health education building and other projects. We recently completed work on 40 new suites at Kroger Field.”
For the middle school, which will be open tomorrow to the public from 3 p.m. through 6 p.m., Morgan Smith provided cabinets, countertops and the reception desk, as well as cabinetry and countertops throughout the new classrooms.
“Being able to contribute to such an important project in our own community was an honor for us,” Oakes said.
The company employs 23 to 25 employees annually.
“We produce a tremendous amount of work for a company our size. We have three custom departments along with our assembly operation,” Oakes said. “The men and women working on our shop floor are what make this company flourish. They care about the quality of what goes out the door, and that shows in the finished product.”
Keith lives in Louisville, but his family has deep roots in Adair County. The name came from the story of Captain Morgan having stayed at the family’s Cane Valley home, combined with Smith, the maiden name of John’s grandmother.
His family purchased the company from the McCammish family, who started the business in 1948. The Keith family took ownership in 2012.
“When we purchased the business it was a natural fit for us to be here in the community and support the community,” Keith said. “We’re blessed to be a part of it.”
Mayor Pamela Hoots nominated Morgan Smith Industries for the prestigious award.
“Morgan Smith is a big part of our community. Their business provides jobs and employment for our residents,” Hoots said. “It’s a family-owned business that been a part of our community for a long time. I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the great work they do, not only here but in Kentucky and surrounding states.”
By Sharon Burton
snburton@adairvoice.com
