Artisans, Inc., the maker of decorated apparel based in Glen Flora, WI, has opened an $8.4 million manufacturing facility in Lexington, KS, as reported in a press release from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
The release noted that in early 2025, Artisans closed its facility in rural Wisconsin and consolidated its existing location in Lexington. Almost two years later, Artisans’ new facility on Mercer Road is operational, supporting the distribution of decorated apparel for resorts, colleges and schools and retail shops nationwide. Brands include Artisans, College House and Vivid Print.
Artisans, Inc. was founded on a family dairy farm in Glen Flora, WI, in 1963 by Orlo and Bernice Dukerschein. In 2017, then-owners Bev and Gordie Dukerschein, ready for retirement, sold the company to their employees under an ESOP structure, making Artisans, Inc. a 100-percent employee-owned business,
“What began as a family business in rural Wisconsin more than 60 years ago, Artisans Inc. has always believed that our people are our greatest strength,” said Kyle Foster, president and CEO of Artisans. “As a 100 percent employee-owned company, this investment in Lexington is an investment in our employee-owners and in the future of our business. We’re grateful for the warm welcome and support we’ve received from state and local leaders here in the Bluegrass State and look forward to becoming an active member of the Lexington community while creating quality jobs for years to come.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in May 2025 preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with Artisans under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement provides tax incentives based on the company’s investment and annual job targets. The project created 55 local jobs.
Additionally, KEDFA approved artisans for tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development, and electronic processing.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, Artisans could be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company could claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
Governor Beshear continued, “Today’s grand opening is another big win for our commonwealth’s robust manufacturing sector. This project is bringing great new job opportunities for Kentuckians in the Lexington region. I want to thank the leaders of Artisans Inc. for their commitment to our state and welcome them to their new Kentucky Home.”
Image courtesy Artisans
