Mid City Times

Lexington, Kentucky-based Big Ass Fans, a producer of high-volume, low-speed fans, is expanding production to Texas with a 210,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fort Worth.

“What’s most exciting to me about the new site is that it will benefit our customers, our supplier partners, our employees and the local economy,” said Ken Walma, CEO of Big Ass Fans. “Texas is our number one market and home to several of our largest customers – it’s also where many of our valued suppliers are based. Proximity to suppliers and increased manufacturing capacity, along with ready access to a skilled workforce, will enable us to better and more quickly serve our customers across the state and region.”

The company, long established as an employer of choice in Lexington, is hiring 100 local employees in Fort Worth, a number Walma anticipates will grow alongside the business.

Big Ass Fans was founded 25 years ago as HVLS Fan Co., largely serving the farming sector based on research that found if cows are kept cooler, they produce more milk. After building a market for dairy barns and then factories, HVLS Fan Co. expanded into other industries based on word of mouth. As it did so, customers would call and ask: “Are you the ones who make those big ass fans?” – leading to the company's rebranding. Big Ass Fans has since become an iconic brand with industry-leading products and an enthusiastic customer base known as “raving fans” across the country and around the world.

“I am thrilled to welcome Big Ass Fans to the Fort Worth family and look forward to their continued investment in our community,” said District 7 City Councilmember Macy Hill. “As an industry leader in airflow and energy savings, their new manufacturing and distribution facility is a welcome addition to Fort Worth’s economy.”

Mayor Mattie Parker stated: “We are proud to celebrate Big Ass Fans’ expansion and welcome them to Fort Worth. This expansion underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving business environment and will bring positive economic impact and new opportunities to our vibrant city.”

Photo: Big Ass Fans CEO Ken Walma joined by Big Ass Fans executive team members and Fort Worth City Councilmember Macy Hill cut the ribbon at a new manufacturing facility in Fort Worth on Aug. 28.

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