Gov. Andy Beshear announced that E. Hofmann Packaging, a Canadian-based plastics packaging company, will establish its first U.S. operation in Hopkins County, Kentucky. The $43 million investment is expected to create 164 jobs.
"Team Kentucky’s manufacturing sector continues to play a major role in our state’s soaring economy," said Gov. Beshear. He expressed gratitude towards E. Hofmann Packaging for choosing Kentucky and highlighted the state's strategic location and skilled workforce as key factors in attracting international businesses.
The new facility will be located in Madisonville and will include a 100,000-square-foot building with new equipment and automation technologies. Construction is set to begin this year with completion targeted for 2026.
E. Hofmann Plastics President and CEO Paul Kalia remarked on the company's expansion: "We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new state-of-the-art factory in Madisonville, marking a significant milestone as our first U.S. facility." He emphasized the positive reception from local authorities and the opportunity to tap into the area's talented workforce.
Hofmann Packaging USA LLC is a subsidiary of E. Hofmann Plastics Inc., which has over four decades of experience in rigid plastic packaging production. The company has diversified its services since the late 2000s, focusing more on food customers, leading to significant sales growth.
Local officials also commented on the economic impact of this development. Hopkins County Judge/Executive Jack Whitfield noted that the project would benefit not only Hopkins County but also the wider region due to its central location in Western Kentucky.
Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton praised the project as a catalyst for local economic growth: "This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing economic growth, bringing new jobs, bolstering our manufacturing base and creating opportunities for local families."
Wade Williams from the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corp. expressed enthusiasm about welcoming E. Hofmann Packaging: "Our economic development team is proud to assist E. Hofmann Packaging expand its operations to the United States."
Outgoing president Bill Rudd added that E. Hofmann's commitment to innovation and community investment makes them an ideal addition to Madisonville's workforce landscape.
Gov. Beshear highlighted this announcement as part of broader economic growth efforts under his administration, which have included nearly 1,200 private-sector projects totaling approximately $36 billion in investments and creating close to 62,000 jobs.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) has preliminarily approved incentives for E. Hofmann Packaging under two programs: up to $2.3 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program and up to $300,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). These incentives are based on meeting job creation targets and investment commitments over 15 years.