FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) announced on Thursday that Toyota Boshoku America Inc. (TBA) will invest more than $225 million to construct a new facility in Hopkinsville and create 157 jobs for Kentuckians.

“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry has seen incredible growth and momentum recently, and that isn’t stopping anytime soon,” said Beshear. “We continue to see quality companies choose the commonwealth to expand their business and invest in our communities, and that speaks to our resources and talented workforce. Toyota Boshoku has played a major role in our state’s manufacturing sector for years, and I am thrilled to see them add another facility here in Kentucky.”

The new facility will include a 365,400-square-foot building pad on 49 acres in Christian County. The plant will be the first TBA location globally to be considered a “Smart Plant.” The facility will employ innovative, cutting-edge technologies such as advanced robotics, planning and automation to streamline processes, reduce waste and enhance productivity to maximize efficiency and operations.

The company says these technologies will create a more efficient and environmentally responsible operation that will serve as a model for others to follow.

The new facility will be the company’s fifth location in the commonwealth. Construction is expected to begin in June of this year and be completed in Aug. 2024.

“Our company’s history in Kentucky started 35 years ago,” said Hidenori Ozaki, president and CEO at TBA. “Since that time, we have grown our presence in the state, including bringing our America’s region corporate headquarters to Erlanger 15 years ago. We believe Christian County and the city of Hopkinsville are the ideal location for our next Kentucky site.

With its global headquarters in Kariya City, Japan, Toyota Boshoku is the parent company of TBA, which is based in Erlanger, Kentucky. TBA and its affiliates employ over 12,000 people in 22 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

The governor touted the announcement part of the state’s thriving manufacturing sector, which Beshear says has seen $21 billion in new investments since he took office.

“We recognize that an international company, like Toyoda Boshoku, ran an extensive process and considered several locations,” noted Christian County Judge/Executive Jerry Gilliam. “We are confident they’ll enjoy success with our strong workforce, outstanding quality of life, and affordable cost of business.”

Hopkinsville Mayor James Knight welcomed the company to the city, saying, “We are thrilled they found the perfect location in Hopkinsville’s South Park and are becoming a part of our corporate family in Southwestern Kentucky!”