New “smart plant” creates 157 full-time jobs in Western Kentucky
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (December 9, 2025) — Governor Andy Beshear joined local leaders and executives from Toyota Boshoku America (TBA) today to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new $225 million, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hopkinsville, bringing 157 full-time jobs to Christian County and strengthening Western Kentucky’s growing manufacturing economy.
“The future has never been brighter for Kentucky’s manufacturing and automotive sectors,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “This remarkable investment in Hopkinsville is creating 157 quality jobs and advancing innovation across our state. I want to thank Toyota Boshoku America’s leadership for their continued commitment to Kentucky and our talented workforce.”
First “Smart Plant” Showcases Innovation and Sustainability
The nearly 50-acre facility marks Toyota Boshoku America’s first “smart plant,” incorporating advanced manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental performance. The facility began production last month, manufacturing seat frame mechanisms, including seat tracks, recliners, and motor-driven components with integrated gearing.
“Today’s opening represents more than a new facility — it reflects our long-term vision for innovation, resilience, and growth,” said Shunichi Iwamori, President and CEO of Toyota Boshoku America. “Equally important, it reinforces our partnership with the Hopkinsville community, where we are committed to creating opportunity and shared prosperity.”
Expanding Toyota Boshoku’s Kentucky Footprint
Toyota Boshoku Corp., headquartered in Kariya City, Japan, is a global leader in automotive interior systems and filtration products. Toyota Boshoku America, based in Erlanger, Kentucky, operates across North and South America with more than 14,000 employees at 23 locations.
In Kentucky, Toyota Boshoku America now operates five facilities following completion of the Hopkinsville plant and employs more than 1,100 Kentuckians statewide, with existing locations in Bardstown, Harrodsburg, and Lebanon. The company supplies interior systems and components to leading automakers, including Toyota, BMW, and Subaru.
Local Leaders Welcome Major Manufacturing Investment
Hopkinsville and regional leaders praised the project’s impact on the community.
“The City of Hopkinsville is proud to be the New Kentucky Home for Toyota Boshoku in Western Kentucky,” said Mayor James Knight. “This facility joins a diverse manufacturing community that includes 75 industries and 24 international companies. We are committed to supporting Toyota Boshoku America’s long-term success in our city.”
Christian County Judge/Executive Jerry Gilliam highlighted the region’s momentum.
“Our region continues to experience exceptional growth fueled by companies like Toyota Boshoku America,” Gilliam said. “We appreciate this significant investment and the creation of over 150 high-quality jobs, as well as the company’s strong commitment to being a good neighbor.”
Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of the Southwestern Kentucky Economic Development Council, emphasized collaboration.
“This investment is transforming opportunities for residents and small businesses in our region,” Hendricks said. “We thank Governor Beshear and our workforce, education, utility, and local government partners for their roles in bringing this outstanding facility to Hopkinsville.”
Part of Kentucky’s Record-Setting Economic Growth
The Toyota Boshoku America project builds on Kentucky’s strongest five-year period of economic growth in state history. Since taking office, Governor Beshear has announced more than 1,200 private-sector business projects, totaling over $43 billion in investment and creating more than 65,500 jobs statewide.
Kentucky has secured historic EV and automotive investments, earned credit rating upgrades from Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s, surpassed 2 million jobs filled for the first time, and received national recognition from Site Selection magazine for economic development performance.
For more information on Toyota Boshoku America, visit toyota-boshoku.com/us.
A detailed community profile for Christian County is available online.
