Governor Beshear proclaims October as Manufacturing Month in KY

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – According to Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky is a national leader in manufacturing, and he proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month, recognizing the industry as a driver of the commonwealth’s economic growth and job creation.

“Manufacturing is a huge reason our economy is thriving, supporting thousands of businesses and providing jobs for hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every day, Kentucky manufacturers play crucial roles in key industries including food and beverage; aerospace; automotive and electric vehicles; metals; agritech; health care and many others. From company leaders to our talented workforce, we’re showing the world there’s no better place than Kentucky for manufacturing.”

Officials say Kentucky is home to more than 6,000 manufacturing facilities that employ over 260,000 residents. According to Gov. Beshear, the industry has been a driver of the best five years on record for private-sector growth and has spurred rising wages for families throughout the commonwealth. Manufacturers also contribute $47.5 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product.

Officials say this year alone, Gov. Beshear has announced several significant investments and job-creation projects by existing Kentucky manufacturers.

According to Gov. Beshear, these manufacturers are:

• GE Appliances
• Ford Motor Co.
• Apple
• Corning

Officials say Kentucky’s manufacturing momentum has continued into 2025, with 49 manufacturing-related projects announced year-to-date that are contributing to over $4.4 billion in new investment and over 3,200 full-time jobs. That success is supported by a growing number of what Gov. Beshear calls well-paying job opportunities for Kentuckians, with the average incentivized hourly wage surpassing $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.