December 25, 2025

Kentucky’s Manufacturing Sector Experiences Significant Growth

Kentucky, December 25, 2025

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector is witnessing substantial growth with major investments from various companies. Anthro Energy, GE Appliances, Kroger, and others are making significant commitments, projected to create thousands of jobs across the state. Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the record private-sector investments, which are expected to enhance the economy and job market in Kentucky. Meanwhile, the bourbon industry faces challenges, including a production halt by Jim Beam due to declining demand.

Louisville, Kentucky – December 25, 2025

Manufacturing Sector in Kentucky Sees Substantial Growth

Kentucky’s manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, with several major investments announced in recent weeks. These developments are poised to create thousands of jobs and bolster the state’s economy.

Major Investments in Kentucky’s Manufacturing Sector

Anthro Energy Inc. has committed to investing over $42 million in a new manufacturing facility in Louisville, aiming to create 110 full-time jobs. This facility will be the first large-scale, U.S.-owned and operated advanced electrolyte production plant in the country. The project is expected to generate an additional 390 construction jobs.

GE Appliances is investing $490 million to establish its most advanced manufacturing plant for clothes washers at its global headquarters in Louisville. This expansion is set to create 800 new full-time jobs and reinforces Kentucky’s position as a global hub for advanced appliance manufacturing.

Kroger plans to build a new distribution hub in southwestern Kentucky, investing $391 million and creating approximately 430 new jobs. The facility will feature automated technologies and is designed to scale with the company’s growth.

Midwest Equipment Manufacturing Inc. is investing $15 million to expand its operations in Maysville, Kentucky, which will create 66 new skilled jobs. The expansion aims to alleviate labor shortages and production backlogs affecting other locations.

Statewide Economic Impact

Governor Andy Beshear highlighted that 2025 marked Kentucky’s second-best year on record for new private-sector investments, with $10.5 billion in projects announced. These investments are projected to create nearly 9,600 full-time jobs, with the average incentivized hourly wage reaching $29.58, the highest on record.

Notable manufacturing projects contributing to this growth include:

Tate Inc.’s $61.2 million investment in Glasgow, creating 400 jobs—the largest job-creation announcement in Barren County in 18 years.
GE Appliances’ $490 million investment in Louisville, creating 800 jobs.
Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion investment in Louisville, creating 2,200 jobs for the production of an all-new electric mid-size pickup truck.
Toyota’s $204.4 million investment in Georgetown, creating 82 jobs to boost hybrid production.

Industry Challenges and Responses

Despite these positive developments, the bourbon industry faces challenges. Jim Beam announced a temporary halt in bourbon production at its Clermont distillery for at least a year, starting in 2026, due to declining demand and international tariff issues. The pause will allow for facility improvements, though bottling, warehousing, and the visitor center will remain operational.

Overall, Kentucky’s manufacturing sector continues to attract substantial investments, contributing to job creation and economic growth across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the total investment announced in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector in 2025?

In 2025, Kentucky announced $10.5 billion in new private-sector investments, marking the state’s second-best year on record for such investments.

How many jobs are projected to be created from these investments?

The announced projects are projected to create nearly 9,600 full-time jobs across Kentucky.

Which companies have made significant investments in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector recently?

Recent significant investments include:

Anthro Energy Inc.: $42 million investment in Louisville, creating 110 jobs.
GE Appliances: $490 million investment in Louisville, creating 800 jobs.
Kroger: $391 million investment in southwestern Kentucky, creating approximately 430 jobs.
Midwest Equipment Manufacturing Inc.: $15 million investment in Maysville, creating 66 jobs.

What challenges is Kentucky’s bourbon industry currently facing?

The bourbon industry is facing challenges due to declining demand and international tariff issues. For example, Jim Beam announced a temporary halt in bourbon production at its Clermont distillery for at least a year, starting in 2026, to allow for facility improvements.

Key Features of Kentucky’s Manufacturing Investments

Company	Investment Amount	Location	Jobs Created	Project Focus
Anthro Energy Inc.	$42 million	Louisville	110 full-time jobs	Advanced electrolyte production facility
GE Appliances	$490 million	Louisville	800 full-time jobs	Advanced manufacturing plant for clothes washers
Kroger	$391 million	Southwestern Kentucky	Approximately 430 jobs	New distribution hub with automated technologies
Midwest Equipment Manufacturing Inc.	$15 million	Maysville	66 skilled jobs	Expansion of manufacturing operations
Tate Inc.	$61.2 million	Glasgow	400 jobs	Largest North American manufacturing plant
Ford Motor Co.	$2 billion	Louisville	2,200 jobs	Production of an all-new electric mid-size pickup truck
Toyota	$204.4 million	Georgetown	82 jobs	Boost hybrid production