FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday announced a pair of economic investments that'll bring over $2.5 million to Kentucky.

Accuride is investing $2 million in its Henderson County operation, and Advanced Handling Systems is investing over $500,000 in its recent relocation to Erlanger in northern Kentucky.

In Henderson County, automotive wheel manufacturer Accuride Corp. will create 15 well-paying jobs with a new $2 investment, Beshear said. Accuride planted roots in Henderson County in 1974 and currently employs 137 full-time workers.

“Automotive suppliers across the commonwealth are positioning themselves for significant growth for decades to come, and I am glad to see Accuride Corp. included among those growing companies,” Beshear said. “Kentucky is in a prime position to continue to be a leader in the rapidly changing automotive industry."

The investment will target facility and equipment upgrades, including repairs to the roof, welding robots and concrete around the 306,000-square-foot facility.

More than 525 automotive-related facilities currently operate in Kentucky, including four original equipment manufacturers, and the sector employs 100,000 people statewide.

Over in Erlanger, Advanced Handling Systems cut the ribbon on its newly-renovated innocation space in Erlanger, where a $500,000 investment is set to create 35 high-wage jobs.

AHS LLC is a Hy-Tek Material Handling company that relocated to Kentucky in 2020, Beshear said.

“This investment by AHS and Hy-Tek is creating quality jobs in Northern Kentucky and supporting distribution and logistics growth, which is one of our state’s thriving key industries," the governor added.

The 20,000-square-foot AHS Innovation Lab on 351 Kenton Lands Road in Erlanger features robotic technology for distribution and fulfillment centers in its demonstration facility.