Winston Industries investing $1.2 million to expand, retain 215 jobs and add 5 new positions

Momentum in Kentucky’s manufacturing sector continues with a $1.2 million investment from Winston Industries, a Kentucky-based multidivisional manufacturer of circuit boards and foodservice equipment. The investment will allow the company to retain 215 full-time jobs, add five positions in Louisville and provide growth opportunities to existing employees.

“Winston Industries has successfully manufactured foodservice technology and equipment in Kentucky for over half a century and is well positioned for even more growth in the coming years,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to congratulate Winston Industries on this expansion and thank the company’s leadership for their longstanding presence in the commonwealth. I’m excited to see the company continue to thrive and grow in Jefferson County.”

The project will see investments in several areas of the business including a SafanDarley Robotic Press Brake, ScienceScope Smart Racking System, Komax Wiring System, Stud Welding System and bathroom facility renovations. These systems of automation and employee-focused improvements will increase manufacturing capabilities and overall quality of the facility.

“The Kentucky Reinvestment Act program allows our planned investments to go directly toward supporting our strategy of allowing our customers, employees and company to grow together,” said Shaun Tanner, CEO of Winston Industries. “We are continuing to plan for the ever-changing manufacturing environment, which requires continual reinvestments. These investments will help us plan for growth while ensuring that we are able to maintain our employee-centric culture as an organization.”

Winston Industries is a Kentucky-based manufacturing company founded in 1969, thanks to the support of one of the state’s most recognized icons, Colonel Harland Sanders. The company’s pressure fryer was Sanders’ preferred method for cooking his world-famous Original Recipe, which led to Winston Industries’ continued success supporting Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurants across the globe. While KFC is still the company’s largest customer, Winston Industries’ products and services have evolved throughout the years. The company’s broad portfolio of products is found in every foodservice market segment, from cafeterias in local schools to the finest dining restaurants in the world. The company has also diversified into other industries beyond foodservice, creating a separate division that specializes in contract manufacturing of circuit boards.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg thanked the company for its commitment to Jefferson County: “We’re thrilled that Winston Industries continues to invest in its Jeffersontown facility, manufacturing products and lasting partnerships. Our administration and economic development team are committed to working with the city of Jeffersontown and partners to retain jobs throughout Jefferson County. I would like to congratulate Winston Industries and Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike and her team for doing just that!”

Winston Industries’ investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the Louisville. In the first six months of 2023, Jefferson County has celebrated more than $663 million in announced capital investment, which will create an additional 1,042 new jobs.

Site Selection magazine recently recognized Louisville as a Top 5 U.S. Metro for Economic Development, and Business Facilities magazine named Louisville a Top Logistics Hub for 2023. Travel + Leisure magazine ranked the city the No. 4 Most Beautiful and Affordable Place to Live in the U.S.

The state of Kentucky placed first in the South Central region and top-5 nationally in Site Selection magazine's 2023 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects. The publication also placed Kentucky second nationwide and first in the South Central region for its annual Governor’s Cup ranking for 2022, which recognizes state-level economic success based on capital investments.