- Ford is investing $1 billion for a new state-of-the-art paint shop at Kentucky Truck Plant
- Ford’s success as Kentucky’s largest auto manufacturer is powered by more than 11,500 employees.
- Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville is Ford Motor Company’s largest and highest revenue U.S. manufacturing plant
- Ford’s total economic impact in Kentucky exceeds $33 billion
Ford Motor Company today reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Kentucky with the announcement of plans to build a new $1 billion state-of-the-art paint shop at Kentucky Truck Plant, replacing the facility’s existing paint shop and further modernizing one of Ford’s most important manufacturing operations. Groundbreaking is expected by late this year.
The announcement builds on Ford’s recent investments across Kentucky, including approximately $2 billion for the transformation of Louisville Assembly Plant into the new manufacturing center for Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform and approximately $2 billion at Ford Energy Systems in Glendale, which will manufacture battery energy storage systems. Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville is Ford Motor Company’s largest and highest revenue plant, where a vehicle rolls off the assembly line every 45 seconds.
“For more than a century, Ford and Kentucky have grown together, and we’re investing to ensure that relationship remains strong for generations to come,” said Jim Farley, Ford President and CEO. “These investments demonstrate our confidence in Kentucky’s workforce, our commitment to American manufacturing, and our belief that the future of mobility and energy will be built right here in the United States.”
Ford’s success as Kentucky’s largest auto manufacturer is powered by more than 11,500 employees who help drive the company’s quality achievements, manufacturing leadership and continued growth. Ford’s roots in Kentucky date back to 1913, when the first Model T rolled off the production line in Louisville. Kentucky is also home to over 6,000 Ford retirees.
According to a 2020 study conducted by Boston Consulting Group, Ford contributes $11.7 billion annually to Kentucky’s GDP and nearly 120,000 people in Kentucky are employed by Ford and its suppliers and dealers. According to a 2023 report by University of Louisville Professor Thomas Lambert, Ford’s total economic impact in Kentucky exceeds $33 billion with vendors and suppliers.
Louisville Assembly Plant is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, including the installation of Ford’s new Universal EV Production System. The investment will support production of the Ford Fathom, a midsize electric pickup expected to launch in 2027. The project is anticipated to create or secure approximately 2,200 jobs in Louisville while transforming the facility into one of Ford’s most advanced and flexible EV manufacturing plants.
Ford’s $2 billion investment in the future of Ford Energy plans to convert the former battery manufacturing site in Glendale, Kentucky, into a large-scale producer of battery energy storage systems. The investment is expected to create at least 2,100 new jobs and support annual production capacity of at least 20 gigawatt-hours of energy storage, with production beginning in late 2027.
“From our past to our present and our future, Ford is a central part of Kentucky’s story, which continues to show the world that American manufacturing remains strong,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Today’s announcement highlights Ford’s longstanding commitment to our state and to our workforce, and I am grateful to Bill Ford, Jim Farley and the entire Ford team for this investment. With announcements like this and the help of the dedicated Kentuckians who make the Kentucky Truck Plant a success, I know our future is bright.”
“Louisville is America’s home for advanced manufacturing, and Ford just announced that it’s not just staying in Louisville, it’s going all in,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Ford’s announcement today is a vote of confidence in our city and shows the world that Louisville is an incredible place to grow a business. We’re proud to be Ford’s partner as they build the future of American manufacturing in Louisville.”
“Ford’s presence in the Louisville metro region has one of the greatest, if not the greatest, economic impact of any employer in the area, said University of Louisville Professor Thomas Lambert. “The number of jobs Ford provides creates or supports another three to four jobs in the local economy. In addition, the local, state, and federal taxes Ford’s presence in Kentucky helps generate much needed resources to our community to a greater degree than most other employers.”
Kentucky Truck Plant remains a cornerstone of Ford’s manufacturing footprint, producing vehicles including the F-Series Super Duty pickups and the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The planned paint shop investment will further enhance the plant’s long-term competitiveness. Upgraded technology in the new paint shop will deliver cleaner and more efficient paint quality, supporting continued production excellence with improved efficiency and advanced environmental sustainability.
In 2026, Ford was named the No. 1 mainstream brand in the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, reflecting years of focus on delivering high-quality vehicles and an improved customer experience. Ford is also America’s leading automaker by vehicles assembled in the United States, hourly autoworkers employed, and vehicle exports, reinforcing its position as America’s most American automaker.
Beyond its manufacturing facilities, Ford and its employees are committed to supporting local organizations, educational programs, environmental efforts and community initiatives, helping to strengthen the vitality of the communities where our employees live and work.
That commitment will be celebrated during the upcoming Kentucky Truck Plant Family Open House on September 13, where employees and their families will have an opportunity to see firsthand the people, products and innovations driving Ford forward.
