COLORFUL INVESTMENT HEADS TO GEORGETOWN
Toyota Kentucky received a $922 million boost to incorporate a new advanced paint facility at its Georgetown operations. The investment was made in line with the automaker’s electrification goals, designed to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance vehicle quality. The planned 1-million-sq.-ft. facility will incorporate Toyota’s new paint technologies, which will not only include a wider color range but improve accuracy and reduce production lead time. “Not only will our customers get the dynamic and stylish exterior finishes they love, but Toyota’s commitment to advanced paint technologies goes beyond aesthetics,” said Toyota Kentucky President Kerry Creech. “It encompasses efficiency, sustainability and quality, leading the industry in environmentally responsible manufacturing.” This project brings the company’s total 2024 Kentucky site investments to over $2 billion, following a $1.3 billion EV assembly project announced earlier in the year. Toyota has said the new addition will come online in 2027.
The Rockwool Board of Directors have approved a new $100 million expansion investment in Mississippi.
Photo courtesy of Rockwool
FRESH EXPANSION INSULATES SUCCESS
To cater to increased demand in North America for industrial insulation solutions, Denmark-based Rockwool (formerly Roxul) plans to move forward with the expansion of its 730,000-sq.-ft. Mississippi operations. In December 2024, the company announced a $100 million investment was headed to Marshall County, Mississippi, to add a new production line to its current Byhalia site. Increased production capacity for water-repellent insulation products and anti-corrosion properties such as insulation pipes, tanks and vessels will be the focus of the project. “North America and the United States more specifically is an important strategic growth area for us,” said Rockwool CEO Jes Munk Hansen. “We have four insulation factories on the continent, with a fifth on the way in Washington state. Strengthening our industrial insulation portfolio in the United States is paramount to best serve our customers.” This specific location was chosen for expansion as it is in ideal proximity to the industrial hotspot in the southern U.S., according to Rockwool’s press release. The project is anticipated to become operational in 2027, adding an additional 35 jobs to the plant.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk returns to Denmark with plans for a new production site.
Rendering courtesy of Novo Nordisk
NEW INVESTMENT ARRIVES HOME
A $1.2 billion investment will aid Novo Nordisk in the establishment of a brand-new production facility in Odense, Denmark. The anticipated 430,000-sq.-ft.-plus plant and warehouse will focus on a number of products for treating rare diseases. Construction has already moved forward at the site, which is expected to become operational in 2037, creating 400 direct jobs. “The facility will utilize advanced technology and innovative equipment to ensure the highest quality to patients and meet the growing global demand for our life-changing medicines,” says Novo Nordisk Product Supply, Quality & IT EVP Henrik Wulff. “We are proud to build on our heritage in Denmark and look forward to embarking on this journey in Odense, a well-connected city with a dynamic community and talented workforce.” This project reflects the company’s first new build in its home country in over 20 years. It has a particular focus on sustainability, as Novo will equip the site with solar panels to power the site and will plant over 4,000 trees.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore