Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing uses innovation and technology to improve the manufacturing process, typically through computer technology, advanced robotics, clean technology, information technology, automation, innovation, precision control, customization, sustainability, waste reduction, and eco-friendly technologies and practices.
There are over 3,600 manufacturers in Kentucky employing around 255,000 Kentuckians full time. Kentucky manufacturers provide jobs and economic prosperity, and product national brands such as Pop-Tarts, Dixie Cups, Jif Peanut Butter, Post-It Notes, Hot Pockets, Kentucky Ale, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, numerous brands of bourbon, and automobiles such as the Toyota Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus ES.
In 2011, Mayor Jim Gray of Lexington and Mayor Greg Fischer of
Lexington’s workforce is one of the strongest regional benefits available to the advanced manufacturing industry. The 2021 Census data ranks Lexington among the most educated cities in the nation with 46% of the population holding at least a bachelor’s degree and 20% with an advanced degree.
The University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering offers undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs and 11 universities within 200 miles of Lexington offer significant engineering programs, including the University of Kentucky, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Louisville, and the University of Tennessee. These universities provide an excellent workforce skilled in engineering, computer science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering mining engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and chemical and materials engineering, to name only a few.
Click here to read Commerce Lexington’s Advanced Manufacturing White Paper.
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Company | Services | Number of Employees |
Toyota Motor Manufacturing | Auto Manufacturing | 9,712 |
Lockheed Martin | Contractor Support | 1,500 |
Hitachi Automotive Systems | Automotive Systems | 1,100 |
Link-Belt | Construction Equipment | 525 |
Webasto Roof Systems | Automotive Parts | 619 |
Big Ass Fans | Industrial Ceiling Fans, Lights | 547 |
Schneider Electric | Energy Machinery | 598 |
Georgia Pacific | Paper Products | 360 |
Jif – J.M. Smucker Co. | Peanut Butter | 280 |
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. | Drink Bottler | 219 |
Ceradyne, a 3M Company | Ceramic Energy Parts | 230 |
Neogen Corp | Food Safety Products | 225 |
Tiffany & Co. | Jewelry | 160 |
Source: Commerce Lexington, 2022