The state behind your everyday staples
From breakfast to bedtime, Kentucky fuels more of your day than you might think.
That golden Pop-Tart you grabbed on your way out the door? Baked in a Kellogg’s plant in Pikeville. The Ford or Toyota parked in your driveway? There’s a good chance it was made in Kentucky. And when the sun dips low and you pour a glass of bourbon? Well, you’re more than likely sipping on a little taste of Bluegrass in a bottle.
For decades, Kentucky has been the hand behind some of America’s most beloved brands, cranking out comfort foods and quality-of-life staples with consistency. Even when their factories aren’t in the headlines, their products are making it into homes across the country. From the unmistakable taste of Jif peanut butter to the reliable hum of GE Appliances, Kentucky’s impact is felt every day, often without you even realizing it.
It’s not hard to see why Kentucky’s manufacturing legacy is expanding. The state’s ability to produce everything from food to tech is drawing in new businesses eager to join in on the success. Kentucky’s appeal is reflected in its recent recognition in Site Selection’s 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings, where Kentucky earned a top five spot for economic development projects per capita. With 187 major expansion projects announced in 2024 alone, Kentucky continues to solidify its place as a hub for industry growth.
Ranking second in the South Central region for regional projects per capita and third for total projects, Kentucky’s diverse manufacturing landscape is attracting businesses from a range of sectors. And this rapid growth shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, 2025 is already shaping up to be another big year, with new projects popping up left and right, steadily extending the list of must-have Kentucky-made products.
From refrigerators to dishwashers, GE Appliances is among the many companies manufacturing everyday essentials in Kentucky.
Image courtesy of GE Appliances
A Fresh Start
In a significant boost to Kentucky’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainability, Earth Breeze, a producer of environmentally friendly laundry detergent sheets, announced in February plans to invest $5.9 million into a new production facility in Harrodsburg, located outside Lexington. The new 81,250-sq.-ft. facility will handle all stages of production, from blending Earth Breeze’s eco-friendly formulation to cutting, packaging and order fulfillment. Therefore, the 226 new jobs are also expected to span multiple departments, from production operators to quality control specialists and facility managers, offering opportunities for workers of various skill levels.
“We are incredibly grateful to the state of Kentucky for their outstanding support and partnership throughout this journey,” said Ben Smith, COO of Earth Breeze. “From the very beginning, the state has demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering growth and innovation, helping us navigate every step with care and efficiency. Kentucky’s strong workforce, business-friendly environment and collaborative spirit have made it the perfect home for Earth Breeze. This investment is not just about expanding our operations — it’s about building a sustainable future together with the Harrodsburg community. We are excited to bring new opportunities, create quality jobs and be part of Kentucky’s continued economic success.”
Founded in 2019, Earth Breeze has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative laundry detergent sheets, free of harsh chemicals commonly found in traditional liquid detergents such as parabens, artificial dyes and optical brighteners. They offer a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative that reduces plastic waste, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable products.
In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Earth Breeze is also deeply dedicated to giving back to communities in need. For every order placed, the company donates laundry detergent to shelters and disaster relief organizations, having provided over 300 million loads of detergent to more than 800 shelters and community groups. Additionally, Earth Breeze has sponsored the cleanup of over 999,000 pounds of plastic, furthering its dedication to environmental sustainability. As the company grows in Harrodsburg, its efforts to support both communities in need and the environment figure to leave their mark in Kentucky.
Owensboro’s Not-So-Secret Ingredient
It’s not just newcomers that are making waves in Kentucky’s manufacturing scene. Companies that have already planted roots here are constantly evolving and expanding too.
Half a world away from its headquarters in Japan, Mizkan America has spent the last five decades building something special in Owensboro. What began as an international expansion became a local success story, with the food company growing side-by-side with the community. Now, 50 years in, Mizkan is once again investing in the place it has long considered home.
On March 17, the company broke ground on the $156 million expansion of its Owensboro facility, an investment that’s set to create 44 new jobs for Kentucky residents. The expansion adds approximately 320,000 sq. ft. to the plant, bringing the total to nearly 1 million sq. ft. of operational space.
“From the very beginning, the state has demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering growth and innovation, helping us navigate every step with care and efficiency.”
— Ben Smith, COO, Earth Breeze
The upgrades will support infrastructure improvements, new manufacturing lines, machinery and equipment, IT enhancements and warehousing space. For the first time, the Owensboro plant will produce Holland House cooking wines, Mizkan Asian sauces and vinegars, and Nakano rice vinegar, products that strengthen Mizkan’s position as a leader in the liquid condiment category.
“Our factory in Owensboro has been in business for almost 50 years and currently makes around 1 million jars of pasta sauce every day,” said Koichi Yuki, CEO of Mizkan America. “Our Owensboro team has been a huge contributor to Mizkan America’s growth and success over the years. We really believe that the future for our business is bright in Owensboro, and we feel privileged to be part of this wonderful community.”
As with Earth Breeze, that community commitment extends far beyond the production floor. Over the years, Mizkan America has supported local organizations like the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club (named for the University of Kentucky hoops legend born in Owensboro). Mizkan also has supported events including the GRADSA Buddy Walk and Night to Shine. The company has also provided food donations to God’s Outreach, helping to fight hunger at the local level. And through the Ragú brand, made right in Owensboro, Mizkan has partnered with Lasagna Love, an international nonprofit that helps combat food insecurity, to celebrate National Lasagna Day.
“Mizkan has been an invaluable asset to our community,” said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson, “providing a positive work environment and offering countless opportunities for their dedicated employees to build a future and support their families. We are incredibly proud to have them as a part of our community.”
Both Mizkan and Earth Breeze are proving that the state’s future is more than products rolling off assembly lines. It’s about building relationships, strengthening communities and leaving a legacy that lasts far beyond the products themselves.
