HVAC Distributing, LLC invests significant capital to grow their sales and service

Graves County Economic Development celebrates the 22,000 sq. ft. expansion of HVAC Distributing LLC, which adds to their 210,000 sq. ft. space in the Hickory Industrial Park. This space will have two floors, a large showroom, a video graphics area for marketing, a technical customer service and warranty teams call center, and a training facility to train employees, dealers, and franchisees.

HVAC Distributing will invest over $5.3 million toward this remarkable addition and employ an additional 40 employees.

“Kentucky’s economy is strong, and the proof is in the companies that continue to invest and believe in what we have to offer,” said Governor Beshear. “HVAC Distributing has been a part of the commonwealth’s expansive logistics and distribution sector for 10 years and I’m excited to see them continue to grow here. I want to thank company leadership for their continued presence and investment in Graves County and I look forward to their success in Hickory in the years to come.”

Starting with a dream of selling HVAC equipment at a more affordable price, HVAC Distributing, LLC was formed in 2013. The next year, the MRCOOL® brand came to life and MRCOOL®, LLC was established. Their most recent development, MRCOOL® Franchising, LLC, launched in 2023 to foster exponential growth throughout the US and Canada with the promise to deliver quality HVAC products faster and establish MRCOOL® as a household name.

"I'm so proud we’ve made a big impact in our community and across the country with what's really a simple idea: HVAC should be accessible and affordable for everybody. Apparently, a lot of people like that idea because we've seen exponential growth year after year. Which has required us to expand our operating space significantly beyond what we ever thought we would need. This new expansion will let us do a lot more, and provide a headquarters for MRCOOL Franchising, LLC that was launched earlier this year. We're so proud to be a part of Graves County, we're proud to be able to provide employment to so many families, and we're honored to be recognized by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority and the Governor's Office. It really means a lot to us." Said Jason Ingram, Managing Member, HVAC Distributing, LLC.

Our products are all over the United States and Canada, primarily through online eCommerce channels, including big box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Menards, and other marketplace retailers like Amazon. Today we have over 2,000 dealers selling and installing MRCOOL® HVAC products. We’re also beginning to see our products inside the big box retailers helping contractors and DIY’ers gain faster access to our quality HVAC products. With demand as high as it is today, the MRCOOL® Franchisees will help get products to customers even faster.

Judge Executive Jesse Perry highlighted their substantial growth over the years. “When the Ingrams first arrived in Hickory back in 2017, they had no operation center or warehouse space to grow this miraculous enterprise. Since then, they have built over 200,000 sq. ft. and employed over 200 families in Graves County. This home-grown business is what Graves County really enjoys. Seeing the success of families from here is one of the greatest opportunities of being in Graves County.”

“Since 2017, HVAC Distributing, LLC in partnership with MRCOOL®, LLC, have invested millions into their business and into our community with three separate actions. These investments have greatly enhanced their presence here and have enabled the hiring of hundreds of employees. It is an honor to have HVAC Distributing & MRCOOL® call Graves County their home, and we are always excited to watch the growth of this company,” stated Mayor Kathy O’Nan.

President of Graves County Economic Development Jason Lemle was encouraged by the company’s vision. “Jason and Doug Ingram encapsulate the future of HVAC equipment for individuals looking for an affordable and long-lasting unit. It has been a pleasure to work with them the past several years and support their vision to become the world’s leading HVAC equipment company. As they continue to grow, Graves County will be here to help them continue to achieve their goals.”

HVAC Distributing, LLC expanded into the Hickory Industrial Park in 2020, with a $7 million investment into a speculative building establishing their new warehouse and distribution center in the Hickory Industrial Park. They had established 108 jobs prior to that investment and since added over 92 new positions.

Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. There are 40 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.