Advanced Manufacturing
Careers With Horsepower
Dynamic opportunities await you in Greater LEX’s thriving advanced manufacturing industry. As one of the top states for advanced manufacturing jobs, Kentucky boasts a robust sector supported by Greater LEX’s Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, where the company holds its largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world.
Over 30,000 skilled individuals make their mark here, including metal fabricators, production specialists and mechanical engineers. From Frankfort to Richmond, Greater LEX hosts over 700 manufacturing companies that build everything from space satellites to Hot Pockets to hybrid vehicles. Join us in growing one of the region’s most prosperous industries.
I joined the Catalent Pharma Solutions site in Winchester, Kentucky in 2010 and since that time we have grown from approximately 250 employees to nearly 600. We have been able to attract talented professionals from all over the country and retain that talent because of the challenging work we do and the quality of life here in the greater Lexington area. The cost of living, access to outstanding universities, the vibrancy of downtown Lexington and the diverse range of cultural activities and events makes the area a wonderful place to live and work.
I have had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand the excellent business climate and fantastic quality of life that Greater Lexington has to offer. Some of the many things that make this region special are the strong sense of community, pride in craftsmanship, easy logistics, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re leading a large corporation or launching a startup, Lexington provides the support and resources you need to succeed. Beyond the office, the city’s vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, beautiful countryside, and charm make it a place you’ll be proud to call home.
Largest Percentage of In-State Residents Working in Manufacturing (Kentucky)
Business Facilities, 2023
Explore manufacturers across the region.
Featured Manufacturing Employers
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
One of the biggest and most modern car factories in the U.S. is located in Georgetown, KY. Take a tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK)’s comprehensive auto manufacturing facility.
Reach Your Highest Aspirations
Ten colleges, universities and technical schools are sprinkled throughout the Greater LEX region, offering comprehensive programs tailored to the needs of all industries including advanced manufacturing.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College prepares students for the demands of modern manufacturing by offering a two-year program in Advanced Manufacturing Technology and a certificate program in Automotive Technology. Additionally, students benefit from hands-on experience in the college’s cutting-edge 78,000 square-foot Scott County advanced manufacturing center, providing a conducive environment for skill development and innovation. Eastern Kentucky University also offers the only manufacturing engineering degree program in Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky further elevates the region’s manufacturing education landscape by offering programs catered to diverse career paths. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering provides opportunities ranging from Production Engineering Certificates to advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and with a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. You could also choose to gain a certificate in distillation at the university’s Jim B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits and increase your hireability at one of fifteen bourbon distilleries throughout Greater LEX.
Want to earn while you learn? The Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME) offers the opportunity to attend classes at a local community college while earning a competitive wage with a local manufacturer.
The X Factor a Great Career
Take your pick of a diverse collection of over 700 manufacturing employers in Greater LEX, from automakers to aerospace engineers to distilleries. One of the most prominent is Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky — a cornerstone of the local economy and the company’s largest production plant in the world. Operating from Georgetown, the company employs nearly 9,500 skilled individuals and recently expanded its production lines, enhancing capacity to manufacture up to 600,000 powertrains annually.
Nestlé, a global powerhouse in the food and beverage industry, has operated out of Montgomery County for decades, notably as the sole producer of the beloved Hot Pockets brand. With a longstanding commitment to quality and innovation, Nestlé continues to contribute to the region’s manufacturing landscape, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.
Propel your career to greater heights with prominent aerospace manufacturers like Lockheed Martin. With over a thousand skilled individuals employed at the aircraft, vehicle, and equipment repair facility situated at the Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Lockheed Martin provides abundant opportunities for talent to excel.
Want to work for a Tier 1 automotive supplier? Hitachi reinforced its commitment to Kentucky’s manufacturing sector in 2023 with a significant $153 million investment in Madison County aimed at supporting the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. This expansion is poised to create new jobs and further solidify Greater LEX’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.
Initiatives for Advanced Manufacturing Jobs
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is a vital advocate for the growth and prosperity of the state’s manufacturing sector. With a mission to bolster job creation and foster a conducive legislative environment, KAM stands as the authoritative voice for policies that fortify Kentucky’s manufacturing industry.
Each year, KAM recognizes excellence within the sector through its prestigious Manufacturer and Employee of the Year awards, spotlighting the achievements and contributions of outstanding individuals and companies. Moreover, the association plays a pivotal role in supporting the state’s Manufacturing Month, held annually in October, showcasing the industry’s importance and providing a platform for collaboration and networking.
KAM also offers a webinar library that provides insights into aspects of the regional industry and economy and workforce development resources that put talent on track to satisfying advanced manufacturing jobs.
Discover More of Greater LEX
Key industries
Where will you make your mark? Greater LEX is home to diverse industries with notable job growth.
Networking & Professional Growth
Take advantage of the many networking and affinity groups across Greater LEX’s welcoming communities.
Kentucky Career Center
Whether you’re looking for long-term training or a one-and-done workshop, Kentucky Career Center helps you build the skills employers want.
