Electrical control panel manufacturer has outgrown its current location
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing industry as Freeman Automation, a producer of electrical control panels for industrial machinery, will be expanding its operation with a $1 million investment to establish a new facility in Graves County, creating 20 full-time, Kentucky jobs.
“Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing sector is paving the way for investment and quality job opportunities for communities across the entire state,” said Gov. Beshear. “When a company chooses to expand its operation here in the commonwealth, it is a reflection of our resources, workforce and business-friendly environment. These 20 good-paying jobs will help more Kentuckians provide for themselves and their families. I want to thank Freeman Automation’s leaders for their continued belief in Kentucky and look forward to their future success.”
To meet growing customer demand and have the operational space to fill future contracts, Freeman Automation will be expanding and relocating its operations from Carlisle County to the Hickory Industrial Park in Graves County, building a new 4,000-square-foot facility. The additional space and equipment will allow for increased productivity, helping the company meet 2027 contracts and stay on track with long-term growth plans. Construction of the building is expected to be completed in 2027.
“We’re excited to make this investment in Graves County and establish Freeman Automation’s new home in the Hickory Industrial Park,” said Josh Freeman, president of Freeman Automation. “Our new facility will give us the room to expand our capabilities while providing a better environment for our employees and customers. We would like to express our deep appreciation to the governor’s office and the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development’s support, along with Jason Lemle with Graves County Economic Development, Mayor Kathy O’Nan, and Judge/Executive Jesse Perry for their assistance throughout this process. Their commitment to helping local businesses grow and invest in Graves County made a real difference in bringing this project together. We’re proud to make this investment here and look forward to being a part of the continued growth and success of the community.”
Freeman Automation manufactures electrical control panels for industrial machinery. The company combines engineering, fabrication and field expertise to deliver projects for a range of customers including municipal utilities, advanced manufacturing, public infrastructure and commercial and industrial projects.
Graves County Judge/Executive Jesse Perry welcomed the company to the region: “Announcements like this are proof that our central location, highly trained workforce and business-friendly policies are bringing investments and good jobs to Graves County. We welcome Freeman Automation and look forward to working closely with them in the future.”
Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan noted the economic impact of the project: “Every time a company elects to locate or expand in our community, they become an important part of our economic future. We appreciate Freeman’s commitment and will honor it by continuing to work hard to make our community a great place to live and work.”
Graves County Economic Development President Jason Lemle is excited about the opportunities the project will bring: “Freeman Automation is an ideal fit for Graves County. They already have several local customers here and I’m confident this move will help them achieve their business objectives. Working with the owner has been a tremendously positive experience, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”
Freeman Automation’s investment and job creation furthers what has been the best six-year period for economic growth in state history.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50.7 billion in announced investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $29 billion more than the next highest total.
Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the battery capital of the United States: AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion, 2,200-job commitment in Louisville, as well as its $2 billion, 2,100-job project at the Kentucky 1 plant in Hardin County; Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County; and Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County, among others.
The Governor announced Kentucky once again set an all-time record for products shipped globally, with $51.6 billion in exports in 2025, representing a 7.65% increase over 2024.
Unemployment rates fell in all 120 counties between December 2024 and December 2025.
The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.
In addition, Kentucky has secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.
Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2025 Governor’s Cup rankings. In June, Area Development magazine awarded the commonwealth a Silver Shovel designation in its 2025 Shovel Awards, which highlight states for attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs in their communities.
Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $400,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $1 million and annual targets of:
- Creation and maintenance of 20 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
- Paying an average hourly wage of $35.75, including benefits, across those jobs.
By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.
In addition, Freeman Automation can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
For more information on Freeman Automation, visit freemanautomation.com.
A detailed community profile for Graves County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
###