LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ford Motor Company is taking a serious look at Shelby County for its next high-tech manufacturing facility.
According to minutes from a recent Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority meeting, Ford is considering Shelbyville for a $400 million high-tech component factory. Parts would primarily be used in electric vehicles.
Michelle Elder, program coordinator at the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, said during a May meeting the project would create 260 jobs with an average hourly rate of $36, plus benefits.
A spokesperson for Gov. Andy Beshear's office provided WHAS11 with the following statement:
Ford has been an amazing Team Kentucky partner. The commonwealth is on an economic roll as Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $32 billion in announced investments, creating more than 54,700 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history. Gov. Beshear and his administration are in daily conversations with world-class companies about locating to Kentucky or expanding their operations here. Because these are often ongoing conversations, we are unable to comment on any specific prospects. The Governor does want Kentuckians to know there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to the state’s future economic growth.
A tax incentive of $8 million received preliminary approval, according to the meeting minutes.
WHAS11 has reached out to Ford for comment.
Ford already has a massive presence in the area. Louisville's Kentucky Truck Plant and Louisville Assembly Plant employ about 12,500 people combined.
According to the Metro Chamber of Commerce, Ford is the fourth-largest employer in the city.
This story will be updated.