MANCHESTER - For nearly half a century, Kentucky Mountain Industries wasn’t simply another business in Clay County.
It was a place where generations of families-built careers, earned a living, and helped shape the local economy.
Now, although the machines have fallen silent, the legacy of Kentucky Mountain Industries is poised to continue in a different way.
Pending approval by the Kentucky Department of Education, the former KMI property will become home to the Clay County Board of Education’s new multi-sport training facility, maintenance department, and district storage center. While its purpose is changing, its commitment to serving the people of Clay County will remain.
Kentucky Mountain Industries was founded on Nov. 1, 1977, in neighboring Jackson County before relocating in May 1980 to a newly constructed facility in the Manchester Industrial Park. What began as a small manufacturing operation grew into one of the area’s most respected industries.
Founded and operated by Clay County native Jack Chesnut, and Jack’s sons Jimmy, Larry, and Kevin Chesnut, the company spent nearly five decades producing stamped metal components and welded assemblies for customers in the automotive, appliance, defense, burial, and plumbing industries.
Jack Chesnut and sons Larry and Jimmy have now passed away leaving the legacy of operating the factory to Jack's wife Cleda, son Kevin, and Jimmy's wife Karen Chesnut.
The sprawling complex of metal buildings became a familiar sight along Muddy Gap Road, and, more importantly, a workplace for countless Clay Countians.
Some employees spent nearly their entire working careers there.
When the decision was made to close after 49 years in business, it was not because the family wanted to walk away from the company they had built.
Instead, co-owner Kevin Chesnut said changing times had made finding a successor nearly impossible.
He spent months contacting multiple companies, hoping someone would purchase the business and continue operations while preserving local jobs. Unfortunately, today’s manufacturing landscape is much different from it was when KMI opened its doors in 1977.
Many companies now seek highly automated operations utilizing robotics and computerized equipment rather than the skilled workforce that had long been the backbone of Kentucky Mountain Industries.
“It’s time,” the family ultimately decided.
Even then, Kevin Chesnut said the hardest part of closing wasn’t shutting off the lights—it was saying goodbye to the employees who had devoted so much of their lives to the company.
“Most have been a part of the company for 30 to 40 years and have reached retirement age themselves,” Chesnut said. “Skilled and experienced employees are extremely hard to replace.”
Although manufacturing has ended, the buildings are preparing for a new mission.
Instead of producing metal components, they will soon help produce opportunities.
Student-athletes will train inside those walls. Maintenance employees will use the facility to serve every school in the district. Equipment and supplies that support classrooms throughout Clay County will be stored there.
In many ways, the mission remains unchanged.
For nearly 50 years, Kentucky Mountain Industries invested in the people of Clay County by providing jobs and supporting families.
Now, the property appears ready to invest in the next generation—helping educate students, strengthen athletic programs, and support the school district for decades to come.
Sometimes a building’s greatest legacy isn’t what it was built to do.
It’s the lives it continues to impact long after its original purpose has ended.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here