Automotive supplier will upgrade manufacturing capacity while retaining nearly 640 Kentucky jobs
OWENSBORO, Ky. (September 14, 2026) — Toyotetsu Mid America (TTMA), a Tier 1 automotive supplier with more than two decades of operations in Kentucky, plans to invest $41 million to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility in Owensboro.
The project will strengthen TTMA’s production capabilities, introduce updated equipment and automation technologies, and retain nearly 640 full-time jobs in Daviess County.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the investment reflects continued momentum within the commonwealth’s manufacturing sector.
“The economic momentum we are seeing throughout Kentucky is the result of incredible growth among our largest and most critical industries, and manufacturing is at the center of that success,” Beshear said. “We continually see quality companies like Toyotetsu Mid America expanding to meet growing customer demand, and that is a recipe for long-term economic success in our New Kentucky Home.”
Owensboro Manufacturing Facility to Receive Major Upgrades
Toyotetsu Mid America has operated in Owensboro for approximately 25 years and plans to upgrade its operational capacity and manufacturing equipment as part of the expansion.
The investment will support new automation technologies, modern production equipment and operational improvements designed to increase output and maintain the facility’s competitiveness within the automotive industry.
The expansion is expected to be completed in 2028.
“This project represents more than an investment in equipment and facilities; it is an investment in our people, our customers and the future of manufacturing in North America,” said Austin Swope, assistant vice president at Toyotetsu Mid America.
Swope said the expansion will provide a foundation for continued growth, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
“Toyotetsu Mid America’s legacy was built through hard work and continuous improvement,” he said. “Our future will be defined by innovation, teamwork and the courage to invest in growth.”
Toyotetsu Mid America Marks 25 Years in Owensboro
Established in 2001, Toyotetsu Mid America is a Tier 1 supplier to Toyota and specializes in producing automotive components designed to support vehicle safety, performance and reliability.
The Owensboro facility was the second Toyotetsu manufacturing operation established in North America and continues to serve as an important part of the company’s regional manufacturing network.
TTMA also supports several community and workforce-development initiatives in the Owensboro area.
The company provides financial contributions and volunteer support to Oasis Shelter, which assists individuals affected by domestic violence, and works with Habitat for Humanity to support access to safe and affordable housing.
TTMA also partners with Owensboro Community & Technical College to provide English-language education opportunities for employees. The program is designed to improve workplace communication, promote inclusion and support employees’ professional development.
Local Leaders Welcome $41 Million Reinvestment
Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen said the investment demonstrates TTMA’s confidence in the local workforce and economy.
“Investments of this magnitude show a commitment to our community and show the confidence TTMA has in our people who work in that plant,” Castlen said. “Our community’s future is brightened by this announcement.”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson also welcomed the company’s continued investment.
“The city of Owensboro is excited about TTMA’s $41 million investment in their plant in Owensboro,” Watson said. “We are excited about the project and their continued investment and presence in the community.”
Claude Bacon, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., said the expansion illustrates the importance of existing-industry growth.
“A $41 million reinvestment from a company that has called Owensboro home for over two decades tells you everything you need to know about this community,” Bacon said. “New investments get the headlines, but expansions like this one are the real proof. Toyotetsu didn’t just choose us once, they’re choosing us again.”
Kentucky Manufacturing Investment Continues to Grow
The Toyotetsu Mid America expansion adds to a period of significant manufacturing and economic-development activity across Kentucky.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, the state has announced nearly 1,400 private-sector expansion and new-location projects, representing more than $54 billion in announced investment and approximately 71,000 jobs.
Major manufacturing investments announced in recent years include AESC’s $2 billion battery manufacturing project in Warren County, Ford Motor Co.’s multibillion-dollar investments in Louisville and Hardin County, Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million project in Shelby County and Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County.
Kentucky also reported a record $51.6 billion in exports in 2025, an increase of 7.65% from the previous year.
The state has continued to receive national recognition for economic development activity, including a top-five national ranking for economic-development projects per capita in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Governor’s Cup rankings and a Silver Shovel designation from Area Development magazine.
Kentucky Approves Incentives for Toyotetsu Expansion
To support the Owensboro project, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved an incentive agreement with Toyotetsu Mid America under the Kentucky Reinvestment Act.
The program provides qualifying existing Kentucky businesses with potential tax incentives for investments involving eligible equipment, facilities and related project costs.
Toyotetsu may also qualify for workforce-development resources offered through Kentucky workforce service providers, including recruitment assistance, job placement services, customized training and job-training incentives.
The $41 million project reinforces Owensboro and Daviess County’s position within Kentucky’s automotive manufacturing sector while supporting the continued operation of nearly 640 manufacturing jobs.
