Marshall County, Ky. — Kentucky’s manufacturing sector continues to expand as James Composites LLC announced plans to invest nearly $6 million to establish a new fiberglass barge cover manufacturing operation in Marshall County. The project will create 25 quality, full-time jobs and marks the company’s first facility in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Announced by Governor Andy Beshear, the project further strengthens Kentucky’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and river-based industries.
Strategic River Access Supports Growth
James Composites will locate its new operation at 390 Riverside Lane in Calvert City, a site offering direct access to the Tennessee River via an on-site marine ways system. This proximity to inland waterways is a key competitive advantage for serving the barge transportation market.
Construction on a new purpose-built manufacturing facility is expected to be completed by November 2026, with operations projected to begin in early 2027.
The facility will produce fiberglass barge covers used across the inland waterways system, supporting logistics, shipping and bulk material transport industries.
Company Expands Inland Marine Manufacturing Presence
James Composites LLC was formed in April 2025 to focus specifically on fiberglass barge cover manufacturing. The company is part of the James Marine Inc. family of companies, a family-owned enterprise founded in 1986 that serves the inland river industry through:
- Towboat and barge repair
- New vessel construction and painting
- Dry dock services
- Marine fueling and supplies
- Towing, chartering and fleet services
Leadership cited workforce quality and location advantages as key factors in the decision.
“This new business will allow us to create high-quality jobs in Kentucky and provide an additional supply option for a vital product to the inland waterways barge market,” said Jeff James, managing member of James Composites and president/CEO of James Marine. “We appreciate the support from state and local partners and look forward to launching operations.”
State and Local Leaders Applaud Investment
Governor Beshear emphasized the project’s role in sustaining Kentucky’s economic momentum.
“James Composites is creating great jobs for Kentuckians while strengthening our industrial base,”Beshear said. “We welcome the company to their New Kentucky Home.”
Local officials highlighted the project’s regional impact.
Marshall County Judge/Executive Kevin Spraggs noted the investment supports continued growth across the Kentucky Lake region and contributes to a diversified economy.
Calvert City Mayor Gene Colburn said the expansion demonstrates confidence in the community’s workforce, location and river access infrastructure.
Kentucky Lake Economic Development President Elizabeth Griffith Mudd added that the project reinforces the region’s appeal for marine and river-related manufacturing industries.
Incentives Support Competitive Expansion
To support the investment, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 15-year performance-based incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment program.
The agreement allows for up to $675,000 in tax incentives, tied to:
- Creation and maintenance of 25 full-time Kentucky jobs
- Average hourly wages of $32.49 including benefits
- Capital investment of $5.8 million
Additional support includes workforce recruitment assistance and customized training programs.
Kentucky’s Manufacturing Momentum
The project adds to what state leaders describe as the strongest multi-year period of economic growth in Kentucky’s history, with tens of billions in announced investments and tens of thousands of new jobs across advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors.
