31st Annual Survey of Corporate Executives Commentary: Survey Factor Rankings Borne Out By Location Decisions in Kentucky
The factors considered most important when making a location decision have been cited by many of the corporate executives who have made the decision to locate or expand facilities in Kentucky.
Q1 2017
Kentucky’s location, logistical advantages, and workforce have long been a major reason for Kentucky’s economic development success. Amazon Prime Air is the latest example of that. In January, Amazon announced a $1.5 billion investment in Hebron in Northern Kentucky to locate its Prime Air hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The company pointed to a number of factors near the top of the 2016 Corporate Survey as deciding factors for location in Kentucky.
“As we considered places for the long-term home for our air hub operations, Hebron quickly rose to the top of the list with a large, skilled workforce, centralized location with great connectivity to our nearby fulfillment locations, and an excellent quality of living for employees,” said Dave Clark, Amazon senior vice president of World Operations. “We feel strongly that with these qualities as a place to do business, our investments will support Amazon and customers well into the future.”
Amazon joins DHL, which has a global hub in Kentucky, as well as UPS, whose Worldport is the largest fully automated package-handling facility in the world. According to Bob Waitkus, UPS operations manager for Ohio Valley District Ground Operations, Kentucky’s highway infrastructure, including two new Ohio River bridges connecting Kentucky and Indiana, are major advantages. “The bridges opening up here are going to let the area breathe. It’s been a huge win from my perspective.”
Both UPS and DHL have undergone major expansions in the past year. In addition, FedEx has seen its package volume double in the past decade, and recently announced expansion plans in Northern Kentucky, Louisville, and Lexington.
These recent additions and expansions continue to strengthen Kentucky’s profile. Recent legislation to make Kentucky a right-to-work state (another important location factor) has added to the state’s ability to use its location and logistical advantages to attract new and expanded industry.
Project Announcements
Hoover Treated Wood Products Plans Fairfield, Texas, Wood Treating Facility
03/30/2023
EnerVenue Establishes Shelby County, Kentucky, Manufacturing Complex
03/30/2023
LG Energy Solution Plans Queen Creek, Arizona, EV Battery Manufacturing Plant
03/28/2023
Middle West Spirits Expands Columbus, Ohio, Operations
03/28/2023
Textile Manufacture 23 Farrar Street Relocates-Plans Lynn, Massachusetts, Operations
03/28/2023
Canada-Based Epsilon Industries Plans Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Prefabricated Modular Utility Systems Plant
03/28/2023
Most Read
-
37th Annual Corporate Survey: Economic Pressures Exerting Greatest Effect on Decision-Makers
Q1 2023
-
19th Annual Consultants Survey: Clients Challenged by Tight Labor Market, Energy Availability
Q1 2023
-
The Top Investment Location Prospects for Aerospace Manufacturing
Q1 2023
-
2022 Top States for Doing Business Provide an Environment for Business Growth
Q3 2022
-
Companies Are Recalibrating Their Priorities
Q1 2023
-
Strategies to Overcome Intensifying Industrial Real Estate Challenges
Q1 2023
-
Energy Costs Come to the Forefront
Q1 2023