FRANKFORT, Ky. — Hitachi Astemo Americas Inc., one of Kentucky’s largest Tier 1 automotive suppliers, is expanding its operation in Madison County with a $153 million investment, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday.

The automotive manufacturing expansion will create 167 new full-time jobs, officials said.

“The unprecedented economic momentum we are seeing throughout Kentucky is not possible without growth from some of our largest industries,” Beshear said in a press release. “Manufacturing and the automotive sector have long been staples of the commonwealth’s economy, and with the rapidly growing EV sector bringing quality jobs and investments to our communities, we are setting Kentucky up for sustained success."

The expansion of the facility will include an additional 752,000 square feet on 62 acres and comes in response to increased market demand and growth within the EV industry.

Hitachi’s investment will bring the company’s total Kentucky employment across their Harrodsburg and Berea facilities to over 2,100 workers.

“As we approach 40 years of manufacturing in this great state, we are pleased to continue our commitment to growing here in Kentucky,” said Tim Clark, president of Hitachi Astemo Americas.

The latest expansion adds to Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector, which has seen nearly 600 private-sector new-location or expansion projects commit to invest over $22.9 billion and create more than 30,000 jobs, according to the Beshear administration.