The Woodford County Fiscal Court announced it will proceed with an intergovernmental partnership to pursue the purchase of 105 Industry Drive, the former Yokohama manufacturing facility, saying the site offers a turnkey advanced-manufacturing campus that could preserve jobs and attract new employers.

Judge (presiding) told the court the partnership — already approved in committee — would make the agreement public and allow the Woodford County Economic Development Authority to receive 5% of sale proceeds, if any, to continue its work in economic development. He emphasized the county prefers repurposing existing industrial sites rather than rezoning farmland.

The judge said due diligence is in progress and that Lucas Witt, the county’s economic development consultant, had reported “everything is a green light” and that the building is in good condition. Court members were invited to review due-diligence documents and to direct questions to Witt.

The facility previously employed nearly 300 people; the judge said the partnership includes a leaseback option that could preserve some jobs while enabling redevelopment opportunities. He described the site as rare in Central Kentucky because it requires little additional construction to host an advanced manufacturer.

The court did not take a final purchase vote at the meeting; instead, members discussed the agreement’s structure, financial-share arrangement for the EDA, and the county’s preference for infill industrial redevelopment over converting farmland.