HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — One manufacturing company is planning to expand its Hopkinsville operation, a move that's expected to create 97 full-time jobs in the coming years. The company manufactures chassis structures for light and commercial combustion engine, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles.

“The automotive industry will play a vital role in our efforts to build our economy back stronger than ever in Kentucky,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “If we are going to have a strong economy well into the future, automotive companies — particularly a strong supplier base — will be essential in making that goal a reality. Metalsa is an important part of Team Kentucky with three facilities in Central and West Kentucky, and the company’s continued growth is tremendously good news for our state.”

At Metalsa's existing Hopkinsville facility on Bill Bryan Boulevard, company leaders plan to make improvements and add new machinery and equipment. The project will accommodate the installation of two new manufacturing lines to support customers in Michigan and Missouri.

Work on the project is already underway and is expected to be completed by October 2022.

The company already employs over 2,800 people at three facilities in Kentucky, including 605 in Christian County. The Hopkinsville facility was the first to open in 1989, followed by the Elizabethtown operation in 1994 and the Owensboro plant in 1997.

“In the spirit of collaboration, we thank Gov. Andy Beshear, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, its Cabinet for Economic Development, Christian County, South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council, the City of Hopkinsville and the Tennessee Valley Authority for this opportunity of economic growth,” said Gustavo Andres, chief commercial and marketing officer at Metalsa. “Our expansion is significant because it allows us to support our customers’ growing business and meet their demands while also supporting the growth of our community.”

Metalsa, founded in 1956, operates as a subsidiary of Grupo Proeza, a private company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, and employs more than 10,000 people globally. The company's products include frames, sub-frames, and battery structures for pickup trucks, sport-utility vehicles and crossovers, and side rails and frames for heavy trucks and buses in the light and commercial combustion engine, hybrid, and battery electric vehicle markets. 

More than 525 automotive suppliers and automotive assembly plants operate in the Commonwealth and employ over 10,000 residents statewide. 

Christian County Judge/Executive Steve Tribble welcomed the expansion.

“Christian County government is thrilled to support Metalsa’s proposed expansion, which will result in new investment in Christian County with a significant physical expansion to the plant,” Tribble said. “We are thankful for the continued commitment of Metalsa’s leadership and to their outstanding workforce that makes this possible. Additionally, Metalsa’s commitment represents new opportunity for residents and families of Christian County and the South Western Kentucky region. Christian County Fiscal Court looks forward to assisting Metalsa and helping them to grow with us in our less taxing, more relaxing environment.”

Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch echoed Tribble's sentiments.

“The City of Hopkinsville is excited to support Metalsa’s proposed expansion and the creation of nearly 100 good-paying jobs,” Lynch said. “We are thankful that Metalsa’s leadership continues to believe in our community and is reinforcing that belief with this expansion and renewed investment. We are also pleased with the state’s strong support and their efforts to promote economic development across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We will continue to work closely with Metalsa and all industries to ensure Hopkinsville provides them with an outstanding experience in an award-winning community.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) on Thursday preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with Metalsa under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The agreement can provide up to $1.5 million in tax incentives based on the company's investment of $39.1 million and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 97 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $29 including benefits across those jobs.

The company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates by meeting its annual targets over the agreement term. Metalsa may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

KEDFA also approved Metalsa for up to $100,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research, and development, and electronic processing.

Metalsa can also receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network, which provides no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training, and job training incentives.