Agile Consulting Group has been formally integrated into the Metals Innovation Initiative (Mi2) as a value provider, a move announced on January 15, 2026, through a press release from PR Newswire. The firm specializes in sales and use tax compliance and will extend its expertise in tax exemption identification and regulatory compliance to support Kentucky’s metals manufacturing sector.
This integration strengthens the support ecosystem for companies operating within Kentucky’s metals industry. Mi2, a collaborative framework, aims to bolster the state’s metals sector by advancing technical capabilities, developing the talent pool, managing sustainability, increasing industry visibility, facilitating research and development funding, and promoting technological advancements in clean energy.
Kentucky is a significant hub for metals manufacturing, with a footprint valued at nearly $34 billion. This sector encompasses primary metals, fabricated metals, and transportation equipment manufacturing, and the state is home to over 250 metals facilities, according to Mi2’s information Mi2 About.
Within Mi2, Agile Consulting Group will provide specialized services designed to deliver direct financial benefits for member manufacturers. The firm will help companies identify and claim applicable sales and use tax exemptions, recover taxes that may have been overpaid, and strengthen overall operational compliance frameworks. This allows manufacturers to reallocate freed-up capital toward operational enhancements, workforce expansion, and technological innovation.
Aaron Giles, Founder and Managing Principal of Agile Consulting Group, highlighted specific opportunities within Kentucky’s tax landscape. He noted that many manufacturers underutilize certain machinery and equipment tax provisions. By joining Mi2, the firm expands its reach to work directly with manufacturers committed to improving efficiency and pursuing sustainable growth PR Newswire.
A private-letter ruling obtained by Agile Consulting Group from the Kentucky Department of Revenue in early 2025 enables this enhanced support. Designated as KY-TAM-25-01, this ruling provides clear guidance on recovering sales and use taxes paid on forklifts and similar material handling equipment. Qualifying manufacturers can potentially recover up to 48 months of overpaid taxes, rectify ongoing vendor over-taxation, and identify additional refund opportunities across various expense categories, including utility costs, repair labor, safety supplies, packaging materials, and hand tools.
According to a Mi2 spokesperson, the inclusion of specialized tax expertise within the initiative’s value network directly strengthens the benefits available to participating manufacturers. By identifying, rectifying, and recovering overpaid taxes, manufacturers can redirect financial resources back into their core operations, enabling them to better engage in strategic planning and concentrate on innovation and competitive advancement within the industry.
Agile Consulting Group operates as a business advisory firm dedicated to tax obligation management. Its approach centers on sales and use tax compliance, aligning accounting systems with tax legislation, pinpointing qualifying exemptions, and ensuring ongoing regulatory adherence. The firm prioritizes proactive optimization to maximize financial advantages while maintaining compliance with tax requirements.
The Metals Innovation Initiative is a Kentucky-based nonprofit organization committed to providing industry-led leadership and fostering collaboration. Mi2’s strategic focus includes attracting and promoting advanced research, commercialization activities, sustainability practices, and workforce development within Kentucky’s metals sector. The organization’s goal is to establish Kentucky as the premier destination for innovation within the metals industry.
Sources
- https://www.mi2ky.org/about
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agile-consulting-group-joins-metals-innovation-initiative-mi2-as-a-value-provider-302661383.html
