Beshear says food company to create 925 jobs in Kentucky, adding to the state’s economic momentum
FRANKFORT, Ky.– A food company has chosen Kentucky as a site that will employ more than 900 people, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday, saying the project is the fifth-largest jobs project since he took office.
Kitchen Food Co., an Australian-founded premium prepared food company, will establish a prepared food manufacturing facility in Hopkinsville and create 925 jobs as part of the $69 million investment, Beshear announced. Hopkinsville is located approximately 170 miles southwest of Louisville, Kentucky.
“Today’s announcement is a great reminder that not only will Kentucky’s economic momentum continue, but that the Commonwealth is open and ready for business from companies around the world,” the Democratic governor said at a news conference.
It contributes to another strong year of economic growth, he said. This year ranks as the fourth-best year in state history for economic investment with 170 announcements of new locations and private sector expansions, totaling more than $6.9 billion in investments and 9,425 new full-time jobs, he said.
Since he took office in late 2019, the state has achieved its first, second and fourth best years in Kentucky history for private sector investment, he said. And the average incentivized hourly wage for these new jobs has topped $26 an hour in three consecutive years for the first time in state history, he said.
The momentum has changed perceptions as Kentucky becomes a “prime destination” for business, the governor said.
“Finally, the rest of the world is looking up to us, instead of looking down on us,” he said. “It’s a special time to be a Kentuckian.”
Beshear typically begins his weekly news conferences by touting the Bluegrass State’s latest successes in economic development. The supermajority Republican Legislature says the record private sector investment is the result of Republican Party-initiated policies that are pro-business.
Looking ahead to 2025, Beshear said his focus will continue to be on jobs, infrastructure, education and health care. Beshear, who won a second term last year, is one of several Democratic governors who are the subject of early speculation as potential contenders for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination.
Beshear mentioned the same core issues during a sitting interview On Wednesday, he offered suggestions on what Democrats should look for in their next presidential candidate, on everything from more affordable health care to pro-public education and greater public safety in communities.
“I think the next Democratic candidate has to be a pragmatist who is about getting things done and getting real results,” he said. “A track record of showing people that they can help lower their bills or earn more money to pay them. Someone who has experience improving this country’s infrastructure.”