FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more Kentucky-made products were shipped around the world in 2023 than in any other year on record, as the commonwealth broke its single-year total with $40.2 billion in exports, a 16.6% increase over the previous year.

According to data recently made available by the U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division and WISERTrade, aerospace products and parts once again led Kentucky’s exports by category in 2023. The industry shipped more than $13.3 billion in products out of the United States, representing a 27.7% increase over the previous year.

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GHENT, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leadership from North American Stainless (NAS) and its parent company, Spain-based Acerinox, to celebrate the one-year mark since the company
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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 8, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that four innovative Kentucky companies will receive $449,819 in state matching grants to support high-paying jobs and further grow the state’s technology sector.

The $449,819 in grants are part of the commonwealth’s nationally recognized Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Matching Funds Program. The funds will match, in part, $1.9 million in federal grants the businesses will collectively receive.

“The SBIR-STTR Matching Funds Program allows the commonwealth to continue . . .

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced exciting momentum within the state’s agritech sector as Bosch Berries, an international grower and distributor of bell peppers, blackberries and strawberries, will be locating a new greenhouse operation in Somerset, investing nearly $50 million and creating 28 full-time Kentucky jobs.

“The growth within Kentucky’s agritech industry has played a key role in the state’s continued economic momentum and prosperity,” Gov. Beshear said. “Bosch Berries’ plan to locate its first location in the United . . .

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted Kentucky’s continued investment in workforce training initiatives as he announced over $1.5 million in funds and credits have been approved through the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. (BSSC) to assist with the training of over 6,500 Kentucky workers and employees.

“Kentucky’s record-breaking economic success is directly related to the hard-working, skilled individuals that make up the commonwealth’s workforce,” said Gov. Beshear. “Programs like the Bluegrass State Skills Corp. provide the necessary fundin . . .

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SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Shady Rays, a national leader in lifestyle and adventure eyewear, to celebrate the company’s new corporate headquarters and fulfillment and distribution warehouse in Simpsonville.

“The commonwealth’s economic momentum is showing no signs of slowing down, and that is largely due to Kentucky companies continuing to expand in our communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Shady Rays is a quality company that provides great job opportunities for Shelby County, and I am thrilled to celebrate . . .

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky has furthered its position as a national leader in the automotive sector as leadership at Toyota made public their plans to increase investment to $1.3 billion at the flagship Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) facility in Georgetown, reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-quality vehicles and long-term job stability.

The announcement builds on the company’s May 2023 announcement to invest $591 million in future projects and increase its job retention commitment with the state by 700 full-time employees to establish the compan . . .

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum within Kentucky’s manufacturing sector as Crown Verity USA Inc., a Canadian-owned grill and cookware maker, will expand its operation in Warren County with a $9.7 million investment, creating 73 quality Kentucky jobs.

“Kentucky’s business-friendly ecosystem, prime location and access to resources make it an ideal destination for companies to locate, expand and thrive,” said Gov. Beshear. “The decision by Crown Verity’s leadership to not only expand here but also consolidate the company& . . .

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BEAVER DAM, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from WPT Nonwovens Corp. to cut the ribbon on the company’s new $19.5 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ohio County, a project that is creating 35 new well-paying Kentucky jobs.

“There has never been a better time to grow your business here in the commonwealth and take advantage of the many unique resources this great state has to offer,” said Gov. Beshear. “WPT is a homegrown success story showing the world that manufacturing is thriving in Kentucky. I am excited to see the . . .

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted the continued momentum of the state’s manufacturing sector as Belmark Inc. – a manufacturer of printed pressure sensitive labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons – will locate a new operation in Allen County with a nearly $99 million investment creating 159 well-paying Kentucky jobs.

“There has never been a better time to locate, expand and do business in Kentucky than right now,” said Gov. Beshear. “Quality companies choosing Kentucky time after time is a testament to what this great state has . . .

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BOONE COUNTY, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Bakery Express Midwest, a commercial bakery manufacturing company, to break ground on its new Boone County location, which includes a more than $20 million investment creating over 175 full-time jobs in the region.

“Growth in Kentucky’s food and beverage industry has been a key part of the amazing economic momentum we’ve been experiencing,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m thrilled to welcome Bakery Express Midwest to Northern Kentucky. This is a fantastic commitment to the common . . .

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Tyson Foods for the grand opening of the company’s new, state-of-the-art food production facility at Bowling Green’s Kentucky Transpark. The $355 million plant will create nearly 450 full-time jobs and is among the largest investment, job-creation projects announced in Warren County.

“The economic success we’ve seen in Warren County in the last several years has been impressive,” said Gov. Beshear. “Tyson Foods has played a key role in Bowling Green’s economy for y . . .

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Log Still Distillery (1/17) – Phyllis Bruning and Charity Hedges from the Cabinet for Economic Development joined Log Still Distillery leadership for a tour of the company’s new facility in Nelson County.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 17, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Atlanta-based premium spirits company Staghorn is opening its first distillery, Garrard County Distilling Co., which has officially begun production in Lancaster, Kentucky.

The more than $250 million project is capable of producing up to 150,000 barrels of bourbon per year while supporting the local economy with more than 60 new jobs. This is the first commercial distillery in the formerly dry county since the 1800s.

“Garrard County Distilling Co. is Staghorn’s first distillery, and the size of the project is a testament to . . .

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Why was Midway/Kentucky the right location for this project? Lakeshore Learning was drawn to Kentucky because of its wonderful sense of community and the state’s rich history of supporting families, education, and businesses like ours. We are so happy to be an active part of the Midway community.

What is the significance of this project for moving the company toward its objectives? This new project marks yet another step forward for both Lakeshore Learning and the surrounding local community. With this addition, we’re excited to continue to expand operations and further hone supply chain capabilities.