When Infinity Design & Construction expanded into Floyd County in 2024, the company teamed up with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) and Local Union 248 to launch a new workforce pipeline. The collaboration helped staff Infinity’s new fabrication shop with motivated local talent, supported the company’s growth, and created fresh career pathways for Eastern Kentuckians.
Infinity, which specializes in HVAC, plumbing, and industrial piping, came to the Langley community with a clear vision: expand pipe fabrication operations and tap into a workforce they believed was second to none.
“The workforce with the work ethic is here,” said Infinity Vice President Elliott Taulbee, a Magoffin County native and a key figure in the company’s Eastern Kentucky expansion. “There’s a lot of former coal miners, for instance, that understand what a day’s work means.”
That confidence in the local labor pool was central to Infinity’s decision to invest in the region. But just as the company was finding its footing, disaster struck. A widespread flood in February 2025 sent 17 inches of water into their new fabrication shop and 21 inches through the offices. A six-figure investment in state-of-the-art welding equipment was submerged, and their plans for growth were suddenly stalled.
Infinity’s most urgent need became cleanup and restoration. Fortunately, a structured partnership forged months earlier with EKCEP and Local 248 was already in motion. The program had placed vocational students and trainees on Infinity’s payroll, preparing them for apprenticeships. When the flood hit, these same young workers pivoted from training to tearing out flooring, insulation, and drywall—helping gut the flooded facility and get the company back on its feet.
“We did everything from pressure washing to de-mudding, getting the layers and layers of mud, to demo and getting the old flooded flooring out, the drywall out, the insulation out,” Taulbee said.
The effort wasn’t just cleanup—it was a hands-on lesson in resilience and real-world construction skills. “It’s also been something that I believe they’ve been able to learn from,” Taulbee added.
Community support was just as crucial.
“The community has been absolutely great,” he said. “You have the people from EKCEP, you have Robbie Williams, the county judge-executive, and a multitude of assistance has been given to help us just de-mud and then try to put ourselves back together. I can’t thank the local community enough for their efforts.”
The collaboration between Infinity, EKCEP, Local 248, and partners like the Kentucky Career Center at Big Sandy Area Community Action Program was designed to build a skilled workforce pipeline through apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs. For Infinity, it has proven an effective way to recruit and train motivated candidates who are ready for union apprenticeship opportunities.
One success story is Timothy Joseph Slone of Martin County. A graduate of the TEK Center in Inez with a certification in heavy equipment operation, Slone was seeking a career path when his school administrator connected him to the Kentucky Career Center at Big Sandy Area CAP. Within days, career advisor Brandy guided him into an opportunity at Infinity.
Slone started cleaning and beveling pipe, learning the trade from the ground up. After the flood, he shifted to rebuilding—hanging drywall, laying tile, and restoring the shop. The career center not only covered his wages but also provided housing support.
“The career center covered my wages and helped me out with my rent and with getting an apartment,” Slone said. That support allowed him to focus on training and work. Now, he has plans to attend welding school and formally enter the apprenticeship program.
As the floodwaters receded, Infinity emerged more committed than ever to its new home. With a backlog of orders, a proven workforce, and a network of strong partners, the company is poised to continue its growth in Floyd County.
“We made a commitment,” Taulbee said. “We’re here. We’re here to stay. We’re here to grow.”
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. EKCEP is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with various federal and state grants and private donations. Learn more at ekcep.org.