FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky is being nationally recognised for economic growth, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced on Tuesday.
For the second year in a row, the commonwealth has earned the Silver Shovel Award from Area Development for states with a population of 3 to 5 million. This is the state’s fourth Gold or Silver Shovel designation during the Beshear administration, a news release said.
“We worked hard last year to attract great companies and create more good-paying jobs for our people, which resulted in our state’s second-best year on record for new private sector investments,” said Beshear. “This recognition reflects that Kentucky has the infrastructure and workforce needed to continue attracting the businesses of the future.”
Some projects highlighted in Kentucky’s ranking were:
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General Matter’s $1.5 billion, 140-job uranium enrichment facility in McCracken County. It’s the largest economic development project in western Kentucky history, the release said.
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Apple’s more than $2 billion investment in Corning’s Mercer County facility to produce the cover glass used in iPhones and Apple Watches.
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A nearly $2 billion investment from Ford Motor Co. in its Louisville Assembly Plant to introduce an all-new, yet to be revealed, mid-size electric pickup truck.
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Kroger’s new $391 million full-line distribution center in Simpson County. The project that will create approximately 430 new full-time jobs.
While the State Shovel Awards celebrate states with the best portfolios, the Projects of the Year emphasize standout investments.
GE Appliances was one of 20 projects across the country recognized by Area Development as a Manufacturing Project of the Year.
According the release, the company will invest $490 million at its global corporate headquarters in Jefferson County, creating 800 full-time jobs. The project shifts the production of more than 15 models of front-load washers to Building 2 at Appliance Park. Production will begin in 2027.
Kentucky previously received a Gold Shovel Award in 2022 and 2023, as well as back-to-back Silver Shovel Awards in 2025 and 2026.
Area Development’s Gold and Silver Shovel awards acknowledge states for their achievements in securing high-value investment projects that create a substantial number of new jobs, the release said.