Job-creation trip plans visits to Germany, Spain and Austria
Lexington, KY - Gov. Steve Beshear has departed on a 10-day economic development trip to Europe, with meetings planned in Germany, Spain and Austria to showcase Kentucky and to strengthen existing ties with European companies already operating facilities in the commonwealth.
European companies already employ nearly 26,000 people across the commonwealth and account for 170 of Kentucky’s 400-plus foreign-owned firms.
“Kentucky has been very determined in its efforts to engage and attract companies seeking to locate or expand in the U.S., especially those from Europe and Japan,” Beshear said in a release from his office.
“It is my goal to continue to aggressively market the Commonwealth’s many business advantages to the international business community and to build upon the momentum we have cultivated.”
Last year, nearly 35 percent of all capital investment and almost 20 percent of new jobs announced in the manufacturing, service and technology industries were a result of foreign-owned businesses.
So far this year, Gov. Beshear has announced the location of 10 new foreign-owned companies to the commonwealth, including Kayser Automotive Systems in Fulton; Dr. Schneider Automotive Systems in Russell Springs; Alpla in Bowling Green; and Hayashi Telempu in Frankfort.
During the trip, which started on Sept. 21 and is scheduled to end on Oct. 1, the governor will follow up on several business opportunities that have arisen, in part because of an office in Hamburg, Germany, that Kentucky opened to promote the state in the summer of 2011.
“We are seeing several active projects with European companies that are in the decision-making mode,” said Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes. “This trip will allow us to personalize those relationships and build a strong case for Kentucky as the ideal location for their business needs.”
“Kentucky is proving that it has the attributes, assets and quality business climate that globally minded companies are seeking,” Beshear added. “I plan to share that message with both new and existing prospects, located in several areas of Europe, in order to plant the necessary seeds for continued economic growth.”