Proposed Plant to Create Hundreds of High-Paying Jobs
Ford Motor Company is eyeing Shelbyville, Shelby County, for a high-tech manufacturing operation focusing on electric vehicles. The proposed plant is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, offering an average hourly wage of $36 plus benefits.
“Ford is telling us they’re interested in coming to Shelby County,” said Ray Leathers, president and CEO of the Shelby County Industrial and Development Foundation. If realized, the facility will produce aluminum components for electric vehicles.
Prime Location and Facilities Identified for Ford’s Needs
“We have been in discussion with the Ford team for some time, helping them find a suitable site for this facility,” Leathers added. Two new facilities off Interstate 64 in Shelbyville have been identified as potential sites. One building is 500,000 square feet, while the other spans one million square feet, both requiring some modifications to meet Ford’s specifications.
“The idea, the prospect of 260 jobs for Shelby County, high-paying jobs with benefits, is pretty exciting,” said Jon Park, deputy judge of Shelby County.
Local Benefits and State Support
A Ford plant in Shelby County would significantly benefit local workers, reducing the need for commuting to larger cities like Lexington, Frankfort, and Louisville. “We have a lot of people wanting to stay here in Shelby County,” Park noted. “If they could stay here, save on gas money, and have a really good job, that’s just icing on the cake.”
To entice Ford, Kentucky has offered an $8 million tax incentive. While the deal isn’t finalized, Park remains optimistic. “We’re looking that way, so we’re feeling good about it,” he said.
Ford expressed gratitude to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for its support as the company explores this opportunity.
