Project is committing the largest number of jobs in Franklin County in 15 years
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders from Nitto, a global pioneer of state-of-the-art technology and manufacturer of high-performance materials, to cut the ribbon on the company’s new production facility in Frankfort, a project creating 220 quality, full-time jobs.
“The versatility of Kentucky’s economy is one of our state’s greatest strengths, and the continued growth of our manufacturing, automotive and aerospace sectors is key to our historic economic momentum,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s ribbon cutting is an exciting next step not just for Nitto, but for Franklin County and the surrounding communities. The 220 quality jobs will provide a boost to the local economy as well as incredible opportunities for local Kentuckians and their families. I want to thank Nitto’s leadership for their continued investment in the commonwealth and our workforce.”
The new facility, located at 120 Fortune Drive in Franklin County’s Industrial Park 3, will provide Nitto with additional production space and a better location to assist the company in delivering a wide range of quality products to their customers.
“Today marks a proud and exciting milestone for Nitto as we officially open the doors to our new Frankfort facility,” said Shingo Suita, president of Nitto Inc. “This expansion reflects our continued growth, commitment to innovation and dedication to serving our customers and community with excellence. I want to thank the local Kentucky community for their warm welcome to the area along with our incredible team, our partners and everyone who helped bring this vision to life. We look forward to the opportunities this new space will create and the future we will build together.”
Founded in 1918 to produce electrical insulation materials, Nitto has grown to be a leader in a wide range of markets, including industrial tapes, optronics, human life solutions and more. Aiming to become an essential top ESG company that provides innovative and unique solutions, Nitto leverages their core technologies – adhesion, optical design, thin layer formation, circuit formation, separation, porous formation, oligonucleotide synthesis and drug delivery systems – in key focus domains, such as digital interface, power and mobility and human life, to contribute to the daily lives of individuals and the future of industry. Nitto made its first appearance in the Americas over 50 years ago and has since been providing products and services in increasingly broad markets including electronics, automotive, aerospace, housing and construction, metal processing, human life and more.
Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller is thrilled to welcome the company to the community: “Nitto Corp.’s decision to expand in Frankfort with 220 new jobs – the largest such commitment in our community in about 15 years – is a moment of great significance for Franklin County. With a proud history dating back to 1918, Nitto embodies the values long admired in Japanese industry: innovation, precision and a deep sense of responsibility to both employees and the communities they serve. We are honored by Nitto’s confidence in our region and look forward to building a lasting partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared progress.”
Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson looks forward to building a strong relationship with the company: “On behalf of the City of Frankfort, I extend our sincere gratitude to Nitto for choosing to grow with us. This significant investment reflects both Frankfort’s continued momentum and Nitto’s deep commitment to excellence, innovation and community. We are proud to welcome a global partner who shares our values of respect, responsibility and long-term vision. We look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship for years to come.”
Frankfort/Franklin County Interim Economic Development Director Penny Peavler highlighted the company’s strong values and expertise: “Nitto’s decision to expand in Frankfort with the creation of 220 new jobs is a milestone for our community and a testament to our readiness for meaningful, long-term partnerships. As a company with more than a century of excellence and innovation, Nitto brings with it not only global expertise but also the deeply respected tradition of integrity, precision and a commitment to shared success. We are honored by their trust in Frankfort and are committed to supporting their growth and integration into our community.”
Nitto’s ribbon-cutting event further builds on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,200 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $36 billion in announced investments, creating more than 62,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $15 billion more than the next highest total.
The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
For more information on Nitto, visit Nitto.com.
A detailed community profile for Franklin County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and Linked
