By Gian Prabhudas, Building Kentucky
In late July, Governor Andy Beshear announced, alongside world-leading glass bottle manufacturing company O-I Glass, that a new $240M investment was coming to Bowling Green. The company’s new manufacturing facility being built in Kentucky Transpark is slated to bring 140 jobs.
No more than a month later, the governor was back in the area, this time to break ground on a new electric vehicle battery plant with executives from Envision AESC. The plant will bring around 2,000 full-time jobs and further solidify Kentucky’s place as a leader in the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow.
Throughout the region, we are continuing to see economic growth that will bring stability and success not only to current residents and families, but also to future generations.
The recent manufacturing announcements in western Kentucky come just weeks before Manufacturing month launches in October. Manufacturing has become a signature industry for Kentucky’s economic future and one that would not be possible without – water.
That’s the core message that was brought to the Barren River Area Development District during the recent Water Grows KY presentation – part of a statewide educational initiative from the Louisville Water Company highlighting water’s vital and often unexpected role in Kentucky’s signature industries – agriculture, distilling and brewing, education, health care and manufacturing.
The manufacturing industry depends on a reliable source of high-quality water. At O-I’s glass bottle manufacturing plant, water will play an integral role in cooling and washing the glass. Envision AESC’s manufacturing plant is also no exception, as water is used in multiple stages of the battery making process, from preparing reactive materials to washing finished cells and production equipment areas.
Louisville Water’s Vince Gunther led the discussion, explaining the important role water plays in economic development and the anticipated spinoff of business. Many of Louisville Water’s valued partners participated in the discussion as well.
“It was exciting to hear about the boundless possibilities for partnership and business in our region, much of which can be attributed to our state’s water supply,” said David Peterson, Caveland Environmental Authority CEO. “I’m glad Louisville Water is reinforcing this message at a time when we need it most.”
To learn more about the Water Grows KY campaign and how water can grow your business, visit WaterGrowsKY.com.