Valvoline has called Lexington home for more than three decades and now the company has decided to build its global headquarters in the bluegrass. Corporate and government officials celebrated Monday with a ground breaking in Lexington. President Sam Mitchell says the decision to stay in Lexington just reaffirms the company’s commitment to the community. “It’s been our headquarters for the last 35 years, so we’re making a long term commitment to stay right here in Lexington,” said Mitchell. “It’s a great place to live. Our employees love it here and there’s a lot of talent here too, so that’s what this building represents for us.”
Mitchell says the $35 million facility will be home to about 650 employees and he says that number could increase. Mayor Jim Gray says Valvoline’s decision speaks to the quality of life in the central Kentucky community. “They did consider going other places," said Gray. "They had a site selection team that considered other locations, other cities. It’s always a challenge to pick up and move a company, but it happens and it happens often. So, their decision to stay in Lexington says a lot about Lexington.”
Gray says the Lexington government’s financial stability helps to promote confidence among corporate entities. Valvoline is in the process of splitting off from Ashland Oil. Valvoline officials hope to move into the new building in the spring of 2017.?
