Gov. Bevin touts success of Europe trip to promote Kentucky businesses

Kentucky is home to 450 internationally owned facilities

Gov. Matt Bevin touted the success of his recently trip to Europe to attend Germany’s annual Hannover Messe industrial fair. Bevin also travelled to Belgium and France and held meetings with prospective businesses promoting the advantages Kentucky has to offer.

“This trip provides an incredible opportunity to sell the benefits of locating in Kentucky to a number of the world’s premier manufacturers,” Bevin said. “Kentucky stands out globally as an exceptional location for manufacturing.” He said the core mission of the Kentucky delegation was to actively recruit international companies, “showcasing why they should choose the commonwealth for their next major project.”

Kentucky is home to 450 internationally owned facilities that employ nearly 90,000 people statewide. Those companies represent 33 countries and all of Kentucky’s key industries: automotive, food and beverage, aerospace, rubber and plastics, healthcare, distribution and logistics, primary metals and chemicals.

One such business is AVENTICS, a global manufacturer of pneumatic components and systems. They currently employ approximately 240 and employment reached as high as 350 in 2001. The facility has grown steadily, but recently expressed further growth opportunities on the horizon.

“It was a pleasure to meet with AVENTICS to show, in person, our appreciation of their ongoing investment to Kentucky,” said Bevin. “We intend to build on that existing strength. We had a very productive week showcasing Kentucky’s global connections in Germany, as well as in Belgium and France. Kentucky is open for business.”