The fourth-generation family-owned manufacturer will expand its Eastern Kentucky operations to increase production capacity and support future growth.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2026) — R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co. plans to invest approximately $17 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Floyd County, Kentucky, creating 65 new full-time jobs.
The trucking equipment manufacturer’s investment will support additional land, buildings and machinery, strengthening its production capabilities and creating skilled manufacturing opportunities in Eastern Kentucky.
Gov. Andy Beshear celebrated the announcement, highlighting the role of family-owned businesses in Kentucky’s economic growth and thanking R/S-Godwin’s leadership for continuing to invest in the commonwealth.
Expansion to Increase Truck Body Manufacturing Capacity
R/S-Godwin’s expansion will create positions in welding, fabrication, CNC plasma cutting, CNC press brake operations, material handling and other manufacturing specialties.
The company is also in the initial stages of acquiring more than seven acres adjacent to its existing operations. The additional property would provide room for future manufacturing growth.
“The Godwin Group is proud to be partnered with the state of Kentucky, Floyd County and surrounding areas to help R/S-Godwin continue to grow,” said Ryan Taylor, CEO of R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co. “We are proud that this will also see those citizens of this area prosper as well.”
Family-Owned Manufacturer Builds on Eastern Kentucky Roots
Founded in 1968, R/S-Godwin began as a small job shop serving Eastern Kentucky’s coal industry, with a market area extending only a few hundred miles. Its early production focused primarily on highway-use trucks, with occasional off-highway equipment built to meet local demand.
The company diversified into additional dump body markets in 1977. In 2002, North Carolina-based Godwin Group acquired R/S-Godwin, further strengthening its position in the truck equipment industry.
As demand increased, R/S-Godwin discontinued trailer production to concentrate on dump bodies. The company also recently expanded its operations to 165,000 square feet to accommodate a new powder coat paint and primer facility.
Today, R/S-Godwin is part of the Godwin Group, one of the nation’s largest family-owned trucking equipment manufacturers.
Local Leaders Welcome Floyd County Investment
Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams thanked R/S-Godwin for its continued commitment to the community and recognized the organizations supporting the expansion.
“Thanks to R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co. for choosing to continue to invest in Floyd County,” Williams said. “Our county is a great place to grow a business, from mom-and-pop shops to manufacturing.”
Williams also credited the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, One East Kentucky and Kentucky Power for their support of the project.
Eric Ratliff, executive director of the Big Sandy Area Development District, said the investment will create employment opportunities for residents of Floyd County and surrounding communities.
“With the continued growth and success of R/S-Godwin, the future of Floyd County is looking great,” Ratliff said.
The expansion builds on R/S-Godwin’s longstanding manufacturing presence in Eastern Kentucky while positioning the company for increased output and continued growth.
