Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced further growth of the commonwealth’s rapidly growing manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) support industries as Hitachi Astemo Americas Inc., one of Kentucky’s largest Tier 1 automotive suppliers, announced an expansion of its operation in Madison County with a $153 million investment creating 167 new, quality Kentucky jobs.
“The unprecedented economic momentum we are seeing throughout Kentucky is not possible without growth from some of our largest industries,” said Gov. Beshear. “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. I want to thank the leaders at Hitachi Astemo for their commitment to the commonwealth and look forward to their continued success in Berea.”
The project will see company leaders invest in the current manufacturing operation in Berea to support site improvements and renovations, including increased production lines and additional equipment. 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 create 167 full-time jobs for Kentuckians, bringing the company’s total Kentucky employment across the 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. “This announcement is a bold step in the direction of vehicle electrification and embodies our new company name – Hitachi Astemo, which stands for Advanced Sustainable Technology for Mobility. Hitachi was founded on the basis of a pioneering spirit and being in harmony with society. This next generation of automotive technology allows us to further that ambition, and we are proud to be able to do that in Berea.”
In January 2021, Hitachi Automotive Systems, Keihin, Showa and Nissin Kogyo completed a business merger and began their journey as the global mega-supplier Hitachi Astemo. The company provides advanced mobility solutions in the areas of electric powertrains for automobiles, advanced chassis, autonomous driving/advanced driver assistance systems and systems for motorcycles. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company’s entry into the Americas began in 1972, with a Hitachi subsidiary established in Brazil. In the mid-1980s, Hitachi expanded into the U.S. market with its first factory in Kentucky. Today, the company serves as a global mega-supplier to some of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world and has more than 20 manufacturing sites in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, with two locations in Kentucky.
This expansion adds to Kentucky’s thriving manufacturing sector, which administration-to-date 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.
Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor expressed his pleasure at seeing an existing company continue to grow and invest in the region: “We are thrilled for the city of Berea and all of Madison County that Hitachi Astemo Americas has decided to expand here. Their decision to expand the Berea facility speaks well for their existing facility, but also for the quality of life and strength of the community. Madison County is fortunate to have two thriving cities, and this announcement is another great example of good things happening because of positive relationships. We are always excited when new jobs are being created in Madison County and grateful for the hard work of Mayor Fraley and his team for continuing to cultivate the relationships to make Madison County better.”
Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley noted the decision by Hitachi to continue to invest in Madison County speaks to the talent of the local workforce and economic climate: “The city of Berea is very excited to see the continuing growth and success of our city’s largest employer, Hitachi Astemo Americas. The decision of a worldwide company to expand its Berea facility speaks well for their local employees, management team and the positive economic climate of Berea and Madison County. We value the long-term positive relationship with Hitachi, and are very happy to see a long-term, existing employer continue to grow as our city grows.”
Donna Angel, business development director for the Business and Economic Development Office of the city of Berea, highlighted the impact the investment will have to bring quality jobs and economic sustainability to the community: “The city of Berea is thrilled to see Hitachi expand here in our community. Hitachi Astemo is at the forefront of developing the newest technology in parts for automotive and other EV engines! This new line of services will not only enhance the automotive industry in the region but will highlight Berea and its various community strengths while offering important, quality jobs to our residents. This positions us for future economic growth and sustainability.”
Hitachi Astemo’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth.
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