Accuride Corp., a manufacturer of wheels, wheel ends and braking components for commercial and passenger vehicles, are investing in its Henderson County facility with a $2 million commitment, creating 15 well-paying jobs for Kentucky residents.
“Automotive suppliers across the commonwealth are positioning themselves for significant growth for decades to come, and I am glad to see Accuride Corp. included among those growing companies,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky is in a prime position to continue to be a leader in the rapidly changing automotive industry. The growth of existing Kentucky businesses like Accuride is a critical factor as we work toward our vision for a brighter future for all Kentuckians.”
Company leaders are investing in facility and equipment upgrades to keep the company competitive in the rapidly growing automotive market and to position the operation to land new projects in the future. The investment will include roof repairs, updating of at least one assembly welder robot, concrete repair and improved airflow throughout the 306,000-square-foot facility on Adams Drive near Henderson. Accuride currently employs 137 people fulltime at the location.
“Investing in our plant and community will help us to achieve our goal of providing the highest quality products to our customers,” said Rob Jozwiak, director of operations at the Henderson County operation. “Also, this will allow us to expand our team with new production, maintenance and salary team members.”
Accuride has operated in Henderson County since 1974 and currently produces more than 10,000 heavy steel wheels daily for the heavy truck industry. The facility also houses the company’s wheels research and development, product development and testing operations. Accuride products include steel and aluminum wheels, brake drums and rotors, hubs and assemblies, as well as slack adjusters. The Michigan-based company has four manufacturing locations in the United States, in addition to facilities in Canada and Mexico.
More than 525 automotive-related facilities currently operate in Kentucky, including four original equipment manufacturers, and the sector employs 100,000 people statewide. Since the start of the Beshear administration, the auto industry has contributed to 95 announcements totaling $9.4 billion in new investments and over 11,100 full-time jobs.
State Sen. Robby Mills said the continued growth of manufacturing in the commonwealth continues to be a focal point for state leaders.
“It is always satisfying to see an existing industry expand and invest in Henderson, as Accuride is doing. Our workforce continues to rate high in manufacturing and logistics,” Sen. Mills said. “Making Northwestern Kentucky attractive to high-quality manufacturing jobs will continue to be our focus on the state level. Thank you to Accuride for their investment and trust in the Henderson community!”
State Rep. Jonathan Dixon welcomed the company’s continued growth.
“Accuride has invested in Henderson for many decades. We are excited to see them continue to improve their facilities and grow with our community,” Rep. Dixon said.
Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider said the project highlights the company’s faith in the local workforce.
“This announcement by Accuride is really exciting, not just because the company is adding 15 new jobs here, which is tremendous, but also because this investment is a vote of confidence by Accuride corporate leadership in our community,” Judge Schneider said. “This expansion makes it even more likely the local plant will be a viable, important part of Henderson County’s industrial sector for years to come.”
Henderson Economic Development Director of Existing Industries and Workforce Development Whitney Risley said the community is growing rapidly.
“Existing industries will continue to be a strategic goal for Henderson Economic Development,” Risley said. “We are encouraged by the number of new, high-paying jobs in Henderson County. We celebrate with Accuride as they continue to expand and improve in Henderson.”
Accuride’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.
For more information on Accuride, visit AccurideCorp.com.
A detailed community profile for Henderson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitterand YouTube.
Media Contacts:
Crystal Staley
502-545-3714
Brandon Mattingly
502-782-2006
