Kentucky’s metals companies are working together to ensure continued success
Metal production is at the epicenter of Kentucky’s economy. Automotive. Aerospace. Food and Beverage. Manufacturing. You name it, almost half of the state’s major industries rely on the vital products this sector generates. From steel to aluminum and copper, Kentucky’s robust pipeline for these resources provides unparalleled access to materials that are globally in high demand.
This symbiotic relationship between metal production and various industries has built a unique cluster in Kentucky that is growing at an impressive rate.
Since 2019, more than 80 metal-related announcements have contributed to over $4 billion in investment and approximately 4,000 full-time jobs.
It Takes a Team to Rise to the Top
The Metals Industry Initiative (MI2), a non-profit, industry-led collaborative, is determined to keep this momentum going.
With representation from aluminum, automotive and rechargeable battery industries, as well as partnerships with higher education and government associations, MI2 strives to take this combined expertise to support dominance in emerging industries like electric vehicles and battery production.
Launched in 2022 with support from Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the coalition’s focus on promoting research, commercialization, talent development and other initiatives designed to grow Kentucky’s metals industry is swiftly making a significant and lasting impact on the state’s industrial future. As of last year, MI2 collectively represents over $34.2 billion in annual revenue.
Vijay Kamineni, the former CEO and current chief innovation officer of MI2, spoke at the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission’s Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment meeting in November 2024, highlighting what MI2 and its partners have achieved, and the areas the organization is working to strengthen.
“Our state has become and has more potential to grow as a top supplier in these high-growth sectors,” said Kamineni during the live stream. “We are fortunate to have a supportive state government that actively attracts and retains metals investments into Kentucky. This has been instrumental in helping our industry thrive. Of course, challenges remain, including international competition and supply chain pressures, but our commitment to growth and innovation is clear.”
Worker challenges is another area of concern Kamineni mentioned, sharing examples of how MI2, Gov. Beshear and Kentucky legislators and its industry partners are actively mitigating this issue.
“Despite high wages in the metals industry, young workers often overlook these roles, influenced by outdated perceptions of the industry,” he explained. “To address these issues, companies are partnering with Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges to create training pipelines. The incentives to attract younger and diverse talent — including apprenticeships, on-the-job training, job placement programs — are proving effective.”
Photos by Charity Hedges courtesy of Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Promising Partnerships
MI2’s collaborations with academic institutions in the state are not only building a talent pipeline but engineering next-generation technologies and industry practices.
MI2 is a collaborating partner of Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change), a University of Kentucky-led coalition to create economic, societal and technological advancement in the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC) of Kentucky and Tennessee.
In 2023, the initiative received one of the first-ever U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engine Development Awards (NSF Engines). With the $1 million the team received, it is developing circular economy-enabling technologies for sustainable advanced manufacturing and supply chain resilience. This approach is set to influence further collaboration and the adoption of sustainable practices through sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling of existing materials and products.
To support this strategy, GAME Change is investing in technology scaling infrastructure that will provide dedicated space for startups, researchers and collaborations. Known as the GAME Change Technology & Talent Scale Centers (TTSCs), these locations are anticipated to include flex space capable for technology development and demonstration projects, workforce training, startup incubation activities and networking events.
Locations have already been identified in existing spaces in Lexington, Louisville, Knoxville and Nashville for future TTSCs.
Forging Ahead
By fostering sustainable practices and advancing cutting-edge technologies, the state is meeting today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. As Kentucky continues to grow its supply chain, attract talent and support strategic initiatives, the state remains on track to lead the nation in metals production for years to come.
