FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 24, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced further growth of the commonwealth’s extensive manufacturing industry as Process Machinery Inc. (PMI) announced an expansion of its operation in Shelby County, a nearly $11.5 million investment creating 30 new well-paying jobs.
“Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector has been a crucial component of our state’s recent economic momentum,” said Gov. Beshear. “We continue to see trusted leaders in the manufacturing sector invest in the commonwealth and our communities, providing well-paying, quality job opportunities for Kentuckians. I want to thank Process Machinery’s leaders for their years of investment in Shelby County and look forward to their continued success in our New Kentucky Home.”
Over the last 10 years, PMI has experienced tremendous growth and now needs additional manufacturing space to meet demand. The company plans to add over 28,000 square feet to the current operation in three phases, with the project to be completed by the end of 2026. The expansion will include site development, the construction of a new paint facility, expansion of existing manufacturing space, office space and additional equipment.
“As a family-owned business rooted in the heart of Shelby County, we’re proud to announce our expansion as a reflection of the continued trust and support from our community. This project represents more than just growth – it’s a commitment to creating local jobs, investing in our region’s future, and staying true to the values that have guided our family,” said Jennifer Miles Ratterman, executive vice president at PMI. “This expansion marks a significant milestone in our company’s journey and reinforces our commitment to long-term growth, innovation and community investment. By scaling our operations, we are not only meeting growing customer demand but also creating new employment opportunities and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Our team is excited to take this next step in advancing our mission, delivering greater value to our customer, and building a sustainable future together.”
PMI was founded in 1979 by David Miles and his father, William Miles. PMI designs and manufactures conveyor systems and state-of-the-art construction aggregate plants from its current facility in Shelbyville. The plants are engineered to streamline the transportation of sand, stone and gravel in quarries, ensuring efficient operations. The family owned and operated company currently employees 90 Kentuckians.
Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison mentioned the positive business climate: “We are proud to see Process Machinery, Inc. continuing to grow right here in Shelby County. This nearly $11.5 million investment is not only a testament to the strength of our local workforce and business climate, but also a commitment to our community’s future. The creation of 30 new, well-paying jobs and the significant expansion of their operations demonstrates the type of forward-thinking development we’re excited to support. We congratulate PMI on this milestone and look forward to their continued success.”
Shelbyville Mayor Troy Ethington spoke on PMI’s long-standing history in Kentucky: “Today’s announcement is a win for the entire Shelby County community. Process Machinery Inc. has been a cornerstone of our industrial community for decades. This $11.5 million investment not only strengthens our local economy, but also creates 30 new, high-quality jobs for our residents. We’re proud to have companies like PMI that choose to grow right here at home.”
Ray Leathers, President and CEO of Shelby County Industrial & Development Foundation highlighted the impact of the project: “The significance of expanding local industry is a testimony to the ‘influential business environment’ that exists in Shelby County and Kentucky for our manufacturing base. Process Machinery’s $11.5 million investment and the creation of 30+ new jobs leverages our location at the crossroads of America, low cost infrastructure, available workforce and pro-business atmosphere that promotes growth of existing industry.”
PMI’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 more than 1,100 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $35 billion in announced investments, creating more than 60,500 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $14 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.
Site Selection magazine recently 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 $780,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $11.48 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 30 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $41.60, including benefits, across those jobs.
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, PMI 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 Process Machinery, Inc., visit ProcessMachinery.com.
A detailed community profile for Shelby County can be viewed here.
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