HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council released its 2024 annual report focusing on the activity, announcements, and economic impact in the past year. The organization’s mission is to create new jobs, capital investment, and assist in improving the quality of life for all residents and businesses.

“We are fortunate our manufacturing sector continues to grow providing more jobs and opportunities for residents, communities, and businesses throughout the 3-county region,” said SWK EDC Executive Director, Carter Hendricks. “This growth is being fueled by expansions and new announcements such as Kitchen Food Company, Cinis Fertilizer, and Buc-ee’s.”

In 2024, the SWK region celebrated and highlighted:

  • Kitchen Food Company, an Australian company, announced plans to purchase a 100,000SF shell building creating over 900 full-time jobs and investing $69 million.
  • Cinis Fertilizer, a Swedish company, announced plans to invest $109 million in Commerce Park II creating 65 full-time jobs.
  • Buc-ee’s announced plans to break ground on a $75 million investment for a new retail location at Exit 89 in Oak Grove creating over 200 new full-time jobs.
  • Rural King and Ashley Furniture opened locations as part of the redevelopment of the former Bradford Square mall creating over 100 new full-time jobs.
  • Novelis completed its $350 million expansion creating 150 new full-time jobs.
  • SWK IGNITE conducted 32 industry tours and the annual Job Fair which impacted over 600 young people with better awareness and access to manufacturing sector job opportunities.
  • Through the Getting Ready to Win (GR2W) initiative, the SWK EDC helped to secure over $5.6 million in grant revenue for the region.

Since 2020, the region has celebrated twenty-one industry expansions or new announcements totaling over 2700 new full-time jobs and over $2.5 Billion in direct investment, according to a press release from SWK. Recent demographic analysis conducted by the Tennessee Valley Authority indicates the SWK region should expect continued growth in the manufacturing sector as well as opportunities for residential and retail development.

“With low taxes, developed sites, and a strong workforce, our region has enjoyed several consecutive years of strong economic activity with even more opportunity on the horizon. Regional leadership remains committed to supporting our existing companies while working to identify the next opportunity for growth and investment,” added Hendricks.