GE Awards $40M to Kentucky Suppliers for Laundry Production
GE Appliances is investing $40 million in four Kentucky plastics suppliers to strengthen its laundry manufacturing operations. The suppliers include:
-
EPC in Lebanon
-
Jones Plastic in Williamsburg
-
Plastic Products Co. Inc. in Lebanon and Greenville
-
A facility in Frankfort
This marks the first wave of economic impact from GE Appliances’ $3 billion plan to expand its U.S. manufacturing footprint. Governor Andy Beshear highlighted the significance, saying the investment will have a ripple effect benefiting Kentucky’s workforce and economy.
Previously in June, GE announced a $490 million investment in Louisville, including a new combination washer/dryer plant, creating 800 jobs. GE Appliances’ Appliance Park in Louisville, its largest manufacturing site, spans over 6 million square feet and employs more than 8,000 people. The company also spends $318 million annually with over 480 Kentucky suppliers.
Lee Lagomarcino, VP of Clothes Care at GE Appliances, stated, “These new supplier contracts represent what ‘Built for America’ is all about – investing in U.S. manufacturing, creating more American jobs, and building opportunity that multiplies.”
Toyota Invests $204M to Expand Hybrid Vehicle Production in Georgetown
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) will invest $204.4 million to increase hybrid vehicle production at its Georgetown facility. This is part of a broader $912 million investment across plants in Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, expected to create 252 new jobs.
The Georgetown plant, Toyota’s largest globally, will add 82 jobs and install a new machining line for 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, set to begin production in 2027. TMMK has produced over 15 million vehicles since 1988, with current capacity of 550,000 vehicles and 700,000 engines annually.
Toyota’s senior VP of Manufacturing Operations, Kevin Voelkel, said, “By adding more American jobs and investing across our U.S. footprint, we continue to stay true to our philosophy to build where we sell.”
The company also launched the $110 million Driving Possibilities initiative to support STEM education and student needs in Kentucky. Local leaders praised Toyota’s ongoing commitment to economic growth, workforce development, and hybrid technology leadership in the region.
Both GE and Toyota’s investments underscore Kentucky’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and high-tech production, with significant benefits for local employment and the broader state economy.
Leave a Comment