Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 26, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear shared great economic development news, including a major investment from GE Appliances, and named the company as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. The Governor also provided an update on funding to improve county bridges, online predator arrests and severe weather recovery.
Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced a major investment from one of the state’s most prominent employers. GE Appliances, a Haier company, will invest $490 million and create an additional 800 full-time jobs at its global corporate headquarters at Appliance Park in Jefferson County. Kevin Nolan, president and CEO at GE Appliances, and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about this exciting announcement.
The Governor featured further food and beverage manufacturing growth in Kentucky as Tyson Foods announced a nearly $23.5 million investment in an expansion and modernization of its Henderson County facility that will support retention of over 1,100 jobs.
Gov. Beshear highlighted new momentum within the state’s plastics and manufacturing sectors as Canadian-based E. Hofmann Packaging will be locating its first U.S. operation in Hopkins County, a $43 million investment creating 164 quality Kentucky jobs.
The Governor reported continued investment within the state’s advanced manufacturing industry as ValorFlex Packaging of Kentucky will establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Bowling Green with a $23.4 million investment, creating 82 quality Kentucky jobs.
Gov. Beshear announced yet another investment and job growth in the state’s manufacturing sector as Brewco Saw Systems will expand its current operation in Muhlenberg County with a $1.2 million investment, creating 20 new, quality jobs, more than doubling the company’s total Kentucky employment to 37.
Finally, the Governor highlighted that Piramal Pharma Solutions, a global pharmaceutical company, recently broke ground on its Fayette County expansion. Stuart Needleman, chief commercial officer at Piramal Pharma Solutions, joined the news conference to talk about the exciting announcement.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling roughly $36 billion in announced investments, creating close to 62,000 jobs.
County Bridge Improvement Projects
Gov. Beshear announced the latest round of funding recipients from the County and City Bridge Improvement Program, awarding $6.5 million for 13 critical bridge projects across 12 Kentucky counties and the city of Hardin. The funding will repair, replace or preserve bridges to improve safety, extend their lifespan and maintain important community links for Kentuckians. Click here for a full list of awarded projects.
Online Predator Arrests
The Governor announced that the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch recently took part in a national operation aimed at protecting children from online exploitation, which resulted in the arrest of 16 perpetrators across the commonwealth, bringing the number of predators arrested since 2019 to 325.
Operation Safe Online Summer, which was conducted throughout April by all 50 states, was coordinated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Lt. Mike Bowling, commander of KSP’s Electronic Crime Branch, joined the Team Kentucky Update and emphasized the importance of collaboration and prevention in fighting online child exploitation.
Severe Weather Recovery
Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather recovery in the commonwealth. For the May 16-17 severe weather and tornadoes: Click here for a list of Disaster Recovery Centers open to those affected and click here for a fact sheet on how to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. Since the commonwealth received approval, FEMA has disbursed over $2 million in assistance. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is July 23, 2025.
For the May event, 28 households are being housed in travel trailers at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, eight households are being sheltered in hotels and 47 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program.
The contractor hired by Laurel County has collected more than 27,300 cubic yards of debris for disposal. The city of London is handling its own debris removal within city-maintained properties.
For February severe weather, more than $49 million in Individual and Households Assistance has been disbursed. The deadline to apply was May 25, 2025. For the April floods, so far, more than $24 million in federal assistance has been disbursed. The deadline to apply has been extended to July 25, 2025. Click here to view the hours and locations of the Disaster Recovery Centers for both February’s and April’s floods.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues to repair roads following April flooding. Currently, there are 13 road closures, mainly from mud and rockslides, and three closed bridges. So far, crews have assessed at least 300 other damage locations on state highways, with initial repair estimates exceeding $21.5 million.
Kentucky State Parks is sheltering 131 people at four state parks related to February’s and April’s floods. Jenny Wiley campground is sheltering 158 people, occupying 52 travel trailers.
The Governor also gave Kentuckians an update on upcoming weather, as a heat advisory remains in effect for the entire commonwealth through Friday evening. Isolated showers, thunderstorms and flash flooding are also possible. The Governor urged Kentuckians to stay cool and remain weather aware.
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Gov. Beshear: E. Hofmann Packaging To Locate Operation in Hopkins County With $43 Million Investment, Create 164 Jobs
Production facility will be company’s first location in the United States
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 26, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted new momentum within the state’s plastics and manufacturing sectors as E. Hofmann Packaging, a Canadian-based plastics packaging producer, plans to locate its first U.S. operation in Hopkins County, a $43 million investment creating 164 quality Kentucky jobs.
“Team Kentucky’s manufacturing sector continues to play a major role in our state’s soaring economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “Once again, a quality international company has chosen to expand and do business in our New Kentucky Home, taking advantage of our unique location and talented workforce. I want to thank the leadership of E. Hofmann Packaging for their belief in this great state and look forward to their future success in Hopkins County.”
In order to meet the needs of increased consumer demand and the company’s growing U.S. customer base, E. Hofmann Packaging plans to construct a production facility in Madisonville. The $43 million investment will include the construction of a 100,000-square-foot building, new equipment, machinery, automation and molds. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2026. The facility will serve as the company’s second production facility and first operation in the U.S, and will create 164 new, quality jobs.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new state-of-the-art factory in Madisonville, marking a significant milestone as our first U.S. facility,” said E. Hofmann Plastics President and CEO Paul Kalia. “We are deeply honored to join this vibrant community and tap into its talented workforce. The enthusiastic support and collaboration from local and state authorities have been exceptional, making this expansion a reality. This facility strengthens our commitment to becoming a leading player in the North American market, and we look forward to building lasting relationships and driving economic growth in Madisonville.”
E. Hofmann Packaging USA LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of E. Hofmann Plastics Inc., based in Ontario, Canada. Established in 1984, Hofmann Plastics has over 40 years of experience as a rigid plastic packaging producer. In the late 2000s, the company diversified its services to include extrusion and thermoforming with a stronger emphasis on food customers. Since 2010, the company has doubled in sales every five years, with the food and beverage industry representing over 50% of sales.
Hopkins County Judge/Executive Jack Whitfield noted the economic impact the project will have on the region: “Hopkins County is extremely excited to have a new manufacturer coming to our area. As a central hub in Western Kentucky, the economic benefit we experience here will be felt across the entire region. In today’s competitive economy, counties must be aggressive and prepared to grow. We have seen a lot of growth in Hopkins County over the past few years, and our ongoing ambition continues to make us a very attractive location for companies looking to expand. With the help of the Governor, legislature, Mayor Cotton, the Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, we are moving forward and will continue to see progress for years to come in Hopkins County.”
Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton highlighted the project’s role in the community’s continued economic growth: “We’re thrilled to welcome E. Hofmann Packaging’s expansion to Madisonville. This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing economic growth, bringing new jobs, bolstering our manufacturing base and creating opportunities for local families. It’s a testament to the strength of our partnerships –between the city, the county, economic development, state agencies and private industry – and it underscores our commitment to building a vibrant, prosperous future for the city of Madisonville.”
Wade Williams, president of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corp. is excited to welcome the company to the area: “Our economic development team is proud to assist E. Hofmann Packaging expand its operations to the United States. This successful, family-owned business could have moved anywhere, but we are glad they wanted to be a part of our increasing growth. We think that E. Hofmann will be the first of many new industries to choose Madisonville and Hopkins County.”
Bill Rudd, outgoing president of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corp., looks forward to the company joining and adding to the community’s skilled workforce: “It’s been an honor to work alongside our partners throughout the entire process of bringing E. Hofmann Plastics to Madisonville. As a family-owned company that truly invests in its communities and values its people, Hofmann represents exactly the kind of employer we strive to attract. Their impressive growth – doubling sales in just a few years through smart automation – hasn’t just improved efficiency, it’s created more opportunities to reward their employees. That commitment to both innovation and people make them a tremendous addition to our community.”
E. Hofmann Packaging’s investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling roughly $36 billion in announced investments, creating close to 62,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and nearly $15 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Last April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $2.3 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $43 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 164 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $28, including benefits, across those jobs.
Additionally, KEDFA approved E. Hofmann Packaging for up to $300,000 in 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, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, E. Hofmann Packaging can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on Hofmann Plastics, visit hofmannplastics.com.
A detailed community profile for Hopkins County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear: ValorFlex Packaging To Establish Facility in Bowling Green With $23.4 Million Investment, Create 82 Quality Jobs
Veteran-owned company provides flexible packaging services for multiple industries
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 26, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced another investment within the state’s advanced manufacturing industry as ValorFlex Packaging of Kentucky – a new wholly owned subsidiary of ValorFlex Holdings – will establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Bowling Green with a $23.4 million investment, creating 82 quality Kentucky jobs.
“Team Kentucky’s manufacturing industry continues to boost our red-hot economy,” Gov. Beshear said. “As companies from coast to coast look to expand and relocate businesses, many are quickly realizing Kentucky checks every box as one of the most business-friendly environments in the country and the greatest workforce. I want to welcome ValorFlex to their New Kentucky Home and look forward to the company’s future success.”
The new facility will anchor the company’s operational growth and serve as a hub for packaging innovation, expanding ValorFlex’s manufacturing capabilities. The facility will house a state-of-the-art flexographic printing press along with laminating and slitting equipment, pouch-making machines and support equipment to increase efficiency in flexible packaging production.
“This is more than an expansion – it’s a homecoming,” said Thomas Hazlette, president and CEO of ValorFlex Packaging. “We chose Bowling Green because it embodies the values we believe in – a dedication to people, a focus on workforce and a strong community. It’s the perfect place for our team to grow, and we’re proud to call it our New Kentucky Home.”
ValorFlex Holdings is based in Nashville, Tennessee. ValorFlex Packaging of Kentucky Inc. is a veteran-owned, flexible packaging provider specializes in custom pouching, lamination and flexographic printing. The company serves clients in the food and beverage, pet food, health and beauty and specialty product sectors. In 2025, the company expanded its capabilities and geographic reach – now proudly calling Bowling Green, Kentucky, its newest home.
Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman noted the perfect fit the company is for the local workforce and community: “We are honored to welcome ValorFlex to Warren County. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, value-driven company we want to see grow here. Their decision to invest in our people confirms that Warren County is a place where businesses – and families – can thrive.”
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott is eager to welcome the company to Warren County: “This project is a powerful example of the Unbridled Spirit of our people and the impact that a life of service can have on our community. ValorFlex is bringing good jobs, long-term investment and a shared vision to our city. We’re proud to help them write this next chapter right here in Bowling Green.”
Ron Bunch, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the region’s growing manufacturing industry: “ValorFlex is a fantastic addition to further diversify our region’s thriving manufacturing sector. Their investment, job creation and servant leadership are a perfect fit for the spirit that defines South Central Kentucky.”
ValorFlex’s investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling roughly $36 billion in announced investments, creating close to 62,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and nearly $15 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Last April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $2 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $23.4 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 82 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $39, including benefits, across those jobs.
Additionally, KEDFA approved ValorFlex for up to $50,000 in 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, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, ValorFlex can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on ValorFlex Packaging, visit valorflexpkg.com.
A detailed community profile for Warren County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear: Tyson Foods Investing Nearly $23.5 Million in Henderson County, Retaining Over 1,100 Employees
Company has operated in commonwealth for over 30 years
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 26, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted further food and beverage manufacturing growth in Kentucky as Tyson Foods announced a nearly $23.5 million investment in an expansion and modernization of its Henderson County facility that will support retention of over 1,100 jobs.
“Tyson Foods has successfully done business in Kentucky for over 30 years and is positioned for even more growth in the future with this expansion and modernization,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to congratulate the company’s leaders on this progress and thank them for their longstanding commitment to the commonwealth. I’m excited to see Tyson Foods continue to grow and thrive in Henderson County.”
To meet increased market demand for protein, Tyson Foods will expand and modernize its facility in Robards. The project, which will increase capacity and product diversity, includes new equipment and upgrades to the current facility. Work on the expansion is expected to start this year and conclude in spring of 2026.
Tyson Foods Inc. is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under four generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands, including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, IBP and State Fair. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more accessible and affordable, meeting customers’ needs worldwide. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company employs approximately 138,000 team members.
Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell expressed the value the company brings to the commonwealth: “Kentucky’s food and agriculture sector continues to thrive, and Tyson Foods’ investment is another clear sign of that strength. For more than 30 years, Tyson has been a valued partner to our farmers and our communities. This expansion not only supports over 1,100 Kentuckians – it shows real confidence in the future of Kentucky agriculture and our workforce.”
Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider spoke on the company’s impact on the community: “This investment by Tyson in its facility here is truly satisfying because it indicates Tyson leadership has confidence in our community and our region to help meet its needs. Tyson is an important, engaged and collaborative corporate citizen of Henderson County, one that has shown time again over the years that it values Northwest Kentucky. This new investment is yet another example of that.”
Tyson Foods’ investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling roughly $36 billion in announced investments, creating close to 62,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $15 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Last April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Reinvestment Act (KRA) program. The agreement can provide up to $3 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $23.5 million and a 90% job retention rate at their Henderson County facility.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, Tyson Foods can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on Tyson Foods, visit TysonFoods.com.
A detailed community profile for Henderson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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Gov. Beshear: GE Appliances To Invest $490 Million, Create 800 Full-Time Jobs at Global Corporate Headquarters in Louisville
Company has announced more than 2,000 new Kentucky jobs during Beshear administration
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 26, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a major investment from one of the state’s most prominent employers as GE Appliances, a Haier company, will invest $490 million and create an additional 800 full-time jobs at its global corporate headquarters at Appliance Park in Jefferson County.
The expansion represents a collaborative effort with state and local leaders and is one of the largest private-sector economic development projects since the beginning of the administration.
This latest investment by GE Appliances brings laundry production to Louisville as they reshore production of the GE Profile Combo Washer/Dryer and the GE Profile UltraFresh Front Load Washer line from China.
“Today’s announcement brings more appliance manufacturing back to the United States and solidifies Kentucky and Louisville as the global headquarters of GE Appliances,” Gov. Beshear said. “GE Appliances is one of Kentucky’s most important companies and signature brands, and we are excited about this additional commitment.”
The project will move production of more than 15 models of front-load washers to Building 2 at Appliance Park. The building will be redesigned to showcase the latest in automation, robotics and material-handling technologies including Automated Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots. The new product lines are scheduled to begin production in 2027.
“We are bringing laundry production to our global headquarters in Louisville because manufacturing in the U.S. is fundamental to our ‘zero-distance’ business strategy to make appliances as close as possible to our customers and consumers,” said Kevin Nolan, president and CEO, GE Appliances. “This decision is our most recent product reshoring and aligns with the current economic and policy environment.”
“Manufacturing in Louisville puts production closer to our designers, engineers and consumers so that together we can create our most innovative laundry platforms,” added Lee Lagomarcino, vice president, Clothes Care, GE Appliances. “The team has already developed new solutions for American households and can’t wait to get started making them. The new full-size capacity products have features that save time and offer unparalleled convenience. We created the full-size washer/dryer combo laundry category, and we intend to maintain our leadership position with consumers.”
“I am thrilled GE Appliances will continue to build the world’s best appliances at its global headquarters in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “This half-billion-dollar investment is a huge deal that will create 800 good, local jobs and secure GE Appliances’ growth in Louisville for the next generation.”
Today’s announcement builds on GE Appliances’ tremendous growth during the Beshear administration as the company in 2021 announced a $450 million expansion creating more than 1,000 full-time jobs. That investment included the installation of two new dishwasher manufacturing lines, new top-load washer models and four-door refrigerator production. The investment positioned Appliance Park as the largest plant of its kind in the United States.
Since 2016, GE Appliances has invested more than $3.5 billion in its U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations. The company recently released its 2024 economic impact analysis, which reported that GE Appliances’ investments, supplier base, customers and payroll contributed $12.8 billion to Kentucky’s GDP last year. Additionally, GE Appliances spent $318 million with more than 480 Kentucky suppliers.
Louisville’s Appliance Park is GE Appliances’ largest manufacturing operation, with more than 6 million square feet for the production of washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators.
GE Appliances began production at Appliance Park in 1953. The campus sits on 750 acres in southern Jefferson County, serves as the company’s global headquarters and includes marketing, sales and support functions. Appliance Park also houses the company’s technology and engineering center, industrial design, distribution center and warehouse operations. GE Appliances employs more than 8,000 people full-time at Appliance Park and a nearby call center.
GE Appliances’ investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling roughly $36 billion in announced investments, creating close to 62,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and nearly $15 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Last April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
To encourage investment and job retention in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today approved a supplemental project to an existing Kentucky Jobs Retention Act (KJRA) program agreement with the company. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $113.5 million in cumulative tax incentives based on the company’s total cumulative investment of $1.2 billion-plus across the original and supplemental KJRA projects with an annual job target requirement of up to 8,000 over the term of the agreement.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates by claiming eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, the company can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on GE Appliances and its impact, visit geappliancesco.com.
A detailed community profile for Jefferson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
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