State trade fact sheets - Kentucky

Agri-Tech Sector Gets Boost

Montreal-based Kruger Packaging is investing $114 million to build the company’s first corrugated box plant in the U.S. At maturity, the new state-of-the-art plant will produce 2.4 billion square feet per year of corrugated boxes, allowing Kruger Packaging to increase its offering to growing markets in the U.S. This Canadian investment, which will employ 150 people in Elizabethtown, is aligned with Kentucky’s AgriTech initiative which seeks to grow agriculture technologies that improve the profitability, predictability, and sustainability of food production, manufacturing and distribution across the Bluegrass state.

Martinrea Hopkinsville Expands

Tier 1 Canadian automotive supplier Martinrea International Inc. is expanding its operations in Hopkinsville. The company is investing $31 million and will create 33 jobs in this southwestern Kentucky community. The existing 400,000 square foot Martinrea Hopkinsville LLC facility will expand by nearly 10% to support production of lightweight, high-strength structural steel products for internal combustion engine and battery electric vehicles. The Hopkinsville facility has produced automotive parts since 1999 and has been operated by Martinrea since 2006.

Dajcor Keeps Growing

When Dajcor, a leading manufacturer of extruded, fabricated and anodized aluminum products, began operations in Perry County in March 2020 the plan was to add an anodizing line within three years. Due to high demand, this Canadian firm is expanding two years ahead of schedule. Located on 30 acres of prime industrial land, the facility offers 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space. This expansion includes facility improvements and the purchase of new equipment, which is expected to increase production capacity, reduce production time, and lower costs.