The Greater Louisville region is making significant strides in various industries and major economic development publications are taking note. In recent months, communities across Louisville have been recognized for achievements in food processing, EV/automotive industries, manufacturing hubs and logistics, and overall economic growth.
Food processing growth:
Within the Food Processing industry, Business Facilities magazine ranked Indiana in the top five states. Kentucky also made an impressive showing, securing a spot in the top 10. Greater Louisville is home to two of Kentucky’s largest food processing employers, Brown-Forman Corporation and JBS USA, each employing 1,200 individuals.
Recent investments by Stellar Snacks in West Louisville and The Cheesecake Factory in Clarksville, Indiana are further enhancing the region’s food processing landscape. In October 2023, Stellar Snacks announced a $137 million investment in West Louisville, the largest economic development project in the area in over 20 years. This pretzel manufacturing facility is expected to create 350 full-time jobs. Also in October 2023, The Cheesecake Factory unveiled plans to open a large bakery at the River Ridge Commerce Center. This $74 million investment will support manufacturing and distribution of desserts, creating over 200 jobs by 2025.
Automotive and EV industries see zooming success:
Kentucky and Indiana both received top 10 rankings in the Automotive and EV Industry Investment categories by Business Facilities. Ford Motor Company is a significant economic driver in the Greater Louisville area, employing over 13,000 individuals across two plants. Recently, Ford Motor Company announced it is considering an additional investment in Shelby County, Kentucky. During a Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) meeting in May, it was revealed that Ford is planning a specialized high-tech component manufacturing operation in Shelbyville, primarily for electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed project involves a $400 million investment, with all costs qualifying for Kentucky Business Investment (KBI) incentives and $170 million eligible under the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). The project is expected to create 260 jobs with an average hourly wage of $36, including benefits.
More wins in logistics:
Louisville’s strategic location and infrastructure have earned the region a top three ranking in Business Facilities’ 2024 Metro Rankings for Logistics Leaders. This category evaluates regions based on their logistics infrastructure, geographic advantages, and recent improvements. In late 2022, UPS announced a $155 million investment in Jefferson County to establish a new facility aimed at enhancing the health care supply chain. This investment will create 315 well-paying jobs, further solidifying Louisville’s status as a logistics leader.
Greater Louisville is a hub for economic growth:
Site Selection magazine’s rankings highlighted the economic vitality of counties within the Greater Louisville region. In 2023, four Kentucky counties were listed among America’s Best Counties, with Shelby County, Kentucky, a regional partner, placing in the top 20 for projects announced per capita. In 2024, Clark County, Indiana, another regional partner, also ranked in the top 20 of America’s Best Counties for projects per capita.
These rankings and recognitions underscore the continued economic growth in the Greater Louisville region. With continued investment and development across various industries, the region is well-positioned to continue on this exciting trajectory.