© 2024 WMKY
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Manufacturers Employ Thousands of Kentuckians

Kentucky.com

Chances are good that you or someone you know plays a vital role in Kentucky’s vast manufacturing industry.

The Commonwealth is home to more than 4,000 manufacturers, representing 220,000 jobs. That means one in every eight jobs in Kentucky is in manufacturing.

Last year alone, more than 200 manufacturers announced new locations or expansions in the state. These projects are expected to create nearly 7,500 jobs and $2.2 billion in new investment.

“Manufacturing is not only a tremendous driver of Kentucky’s economy, but it also directly impacts the well-being and stability of thousands of families throughout the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Steve Beshear.

In honor of October being National Manufacturing Month, the following are the top 10 largest manufacturing employers in the state:

1.Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Georgetown (7,900 employees)

2.General Electric, Louisville (5,600)

3.Ford, Louisville Assembly Plant, Louisville (4,500)

4.Ford, Kentucky Truck Plant, Louisville (4,000)

5.Dart Container Corporation, Horse Cave (1,420)

6.Tyson Foods, Robards (1,400)

7.North American Stainless, Ghent (1,380)

8.JBS, Louisville (1,350)

9.Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, Hickory (1,300)

10.Perdue Farms Inc., Beaver Dam (1,280)

“Kentucky’s manufacturers continue to be a source of quality, high-paying jobs. I want to thank these companies for making Kentucky stronger, as well as the employees who work tirelessly to make these great products,” added Beshear.

Story provided by Kentucky's Cabinet for Economic Development

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
Related Content