Judge-Executive Ted Collins says 120 new jobs and an investment of $28 million at the Jim Beam distillery will be an asset to Franklin County.
“I am pleased that Beam Global has decided to expand their operations in Franklin County,” Collins said. “For many years, Beam Global has been a well-established corporate partner in our community.”
Last month The State Journal reported that the state approved $6.3 million in economic incentives for Jim Beam, but company officials declined to discuss the details of the expansion.
Gov. Steve Beshear announced Tuesday the distilleries in Frankfort and Clermont in Bullitt County will begin production of DeKuyper cordials and other spirits currently bottled outside the state.
The expansion will add 21,600 square feet to Jim Beam’s 557,000 square-foot facility in Frankfort. In addition to bottling production, additional operations will expand, including administrative, laboratory, wastewater, processing and shipping.
“It’s imperative to capitalize on opportunities that make our operations more efficient and enhance our competitive position,” said Beam Global’s Vice President of Americas Operations Jeff Conder.
“Our Kentucky facilities in Frankfort and Clermont – home of our flagship brand Jim Beam – have the capability to absorb additional bottling activity as well as the potential to accommodate higher volumes in the future.”
The bourbon industry currently provides more than 3,000 jobs in Kentucky and more than $3 billion in gross state revenue.