FRANKFORT, Ky. — Hitachi is renovating an automotive facility in Kentucky to build electric motors.
A release from Gov. Andy Beshear’s office says electric motor production at the Berea plant could begin next year depending on the impact of the pandemic. The motors are being built for Honda.
The current facility employs about 20 people and is expected to grow to about 200 workers by 2023.
Hitachi Automotive Systems has four facilities in Kentucky, with two in Berea.
“The new venture is a critical piece in strengthening Hitachi’s foundation in the fast-growing electric vehicle market and supporting the revitalization of the economy in Kentucky through job creation in response to COVID-19,” said Shingo Nakamura, president of Hitachi Automotive Electric Motor Systems America.
According to the release, Kentucky's position in the country provides suppliers quick access to dozens of assembly plants.
See a video of the announcement from Gov. Beshear below:
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