Shattering its previous investment record, Kentucky announced an all-time high record of $9.2 billion in corporate expansion and new-location projects in 2017, bringing commitments to create more than 17,200 jobs.
“Kentucky’s record-setting performance this year in job creation and corporate investment is a direct result of the pro-business legislation, policies and programs we’ve enacted over the past two years,” Gov. Bevin said. “Due to our ideal geographic location, high quality of life, low costs for business operation and exceptional work force, we are confident that the economic future of Kentucky is very bright indeed. We are well on our way to becoming the globally recognized center of excellence for engineering and manufacturing in the United States.”
Kentucky’s previous investment record stood at $5.1 billion, set in 2015. Three billion-dollar-plus projects fueled this year’s record-smashing investment performance, as did 330 other projects by private-sector manufacturing, service and technology companies locating and expanding across the state. Amazon set the pace in January with its nearly $1.5 billion Prime Air shipping hub, followed in April by both Toyota’s $1.33 billion Reborn project to upgrade its Georgetown plant and Braidy Industries’ plans for a $1.3 billion aluminum rolling mill near Ashland.
Terry Gill, Cabinet for Economic Development secretary, said a comprehensive and business-minded approach is shifting Kentucky’s fortunes.
“This year’s impressive surge in economic development indicates Kentucky is gaining recognition as a top location for new investment and job creation. With key measures enacted, including passing right-to-work legislation, red-tape reduction and starting a workforce training revolution, Kentucky is sending the message internationally that it’s serious about recruiting business,” Sec. Gill said. “In the coming year, we will continue working to promote private-sector investment in all 120 counties. By building relationships at home and internationally, creating buy-in, trust and partnerships with communities, utility providers, educational institutions, private-sector employers, associations and other entities, we will roll this momentum forward.”
Rural and urban counties closely split the 333 private-sector projects in 2017. Rural counties attracted 166 projects, while 167 went to the 10 most-populated counties; Jefferson, Fayette, Campbell, Boone, Kenton, Warren, Hardin, Daviess, Madison and Bullitt. Urban counties will claim 10,769 of the total new jobs announced and rural account for 6,450.
Vivek Sarin, the Cabinet’s executive officer, noted the progress made both on an international scale and in communities across Kentucky.
“We’ve made multiple trips to Japan, Canada, Europe and across the US this year, recruiting businesses, strengthening relationships and carrying the message that Kentucky has earned short-list consideration for corporate-investment projects,” Executive Officer Sarin said. “We’re also traveling the width and breadth of the state, encouraging local preparation and working in partnership to create development opportunities. This year’s remarkable results prove the effectiveness of these efforts as well as the many changes, initiatives and programs at the state, regional and local levels. Going forward, companies and site selectors will see all the more results of our community development, workforce training, and additional business-climate improvement measures.”
Investment by internationally owned companies hit $2.3 billion this year across 61 projects. Those are expected to create 2,950 new jobs statewide.
Kentucky attracted more projects and total investment from its current business base than from new companies. However, new companies promised to create more jobs. Existing businesses announced 272 expansion projects, accounting for more than $4.66 billion and 7,041 jobs. That compares with 61 new-location projects expected to create more than $4.52 billion in investment and 10,178 jobs.
The year’s top-five sectors by investment are motor vehicle related, high technology, advanced manufacturing, distribution & logistics and primary metals.
The top-five jobs sectors for the year are distribution & logistics, high technology, motor vehicle related, advanced manufacturing and telecom intensive.
The top-five projects by investment are Amazon Prime Air in Hebron at $1.49 billion, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky’s Reborn project at $1.33 billion, Braidy Industries in Boyd County with $1.3 billion, Ford Motor Co. at its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville with $900 million and the EnerBlue Inc. manufacturing facility in Pikeville at $372 million.
