Manufacturing Appreciation Month - SWK Annual Industry Appreciation Lunch - October 28, 2026

10/29/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:          Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                        270-885-1499

Release:          October 28, 2026

 

SWK CELEBRATES

Economic Impact of Regional Industries

Recognizes local leaders and partners

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) recently hosted the 2026 Industry Appreciation Luncheon to culminate Manufacturing Appreciation Month and celebrate the economic impact of regional industries and the leaders, partners, and organizations that work to support them.

“We are honored to recognize our existing industries for their significant economic impact and for being outstanding corporate partners.  With over 450 attendees, this year’s luncheon was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our region’s manufacturing sector.   We thank our industries, partners, and sponsors for making it a truly special day in our region,” shared Sharon Butts, Associate Director for the SWK EDC.

In 2025, a 3rd party consultant, Boyette Strategic Advisors, conducted an independent economic analysis focused on the economic impact of thirteen recent announcements, from 2022-2025.  As a result of this economic activity, the region has seen significant economic impact, highlighted by:

  • Over $2.7 Billion total economic impact.
  • Over 9400 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
  • Over $980M in gross regional product.
  • Over $70M in total state and local tax revenue.

Several recognitions and awards were presented including:

  1. The John Walton Legacy of Leadership Award to former Chrisitan County Attorney Mike Foster for over four decades of community service and economic development activity for the region.
  2. The Partner Impact Award to Anne Fugate, Fort Campbell Transition Office, and Derek Poor, Veterans Liaison for the West Kentucky Workforce Board for their continued efforts to help connect service members, veterans, and military families to the job opportunities with our new and existing companies.

South Western Kentucky is home to 75 manufacturers and industries employing over 11,000 regional residents, including 24 international companies representing thirteen unique countries.  Industry sectors represented include automotive, agriculture, chemical and plastics, defense and aerospace, distribution and logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The existing industries continue to make a positive impact on our regional economy through revenue contributions as well as charitable giving.  Annually, the industry division is the largest contributor to the annual United Way of the Pennyrile’s annual fund.  Additionally, regional industries represent approximately $750,000,000 in annual payroll through the 3-county South Western Kentucky region.

Also, several industries were recognized for reaching investment milestone anniversaries, including:

  1. Stanley Fasteners, 60 years
  2. Kentucky Machine and Engineering, 55 years
  3. Flynn Enterprises, 50 years
  4. ExxonMobil, 50 years
  5. Plymouth Engineered Shapes, 45 years
  6. MSSC, 35 years
  7. Martin-Till, 35 years
  8. Ethridge Plastics and Hydrographic Dipping, Inc- 35 years
  9. JTEKT, 30 years
  10. Comefri USA, 25 years
  11. DENSO, 15 years
  12. EZ Access, 5 years

“Our existing industries are the backbone of our region.  We are always thrilled to support them, especially when they have meaningful milestones and anniversaries.  We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with each as they continue to grow in South Western Kentucky,” shared Tony Prim, Associate Director for Business Retention and Expansion for the SWK EDC.

For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and existing industries, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.