Freeman Automation Plans Graves County, Kentucky, Manufacturing Operations

Area Development News Desk

08/30/2026

Electrical control panel manufacturer Freeman Automation plans to establish operations in Graves County, Kentucky. The $1 million project is expected to create 20 jobs.

The investment will include the construction of a new 4,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Hickory Industrial Park. Operations are scheduled to begin 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 Freeman Automation President Josh Freeman. “Our new facility will give us the room to expand our capabilities while providing a better environment for our employees and customers.”

To support the project the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority 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.

“Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing sector is paving the way for investment and quality job opportunities for communities across the entire state,” noted Governor Andy 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.”

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.

“Freeman Automation is an ideal fit for Graves County,” added Graves County Economic Development President Jason Lemle. “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 designs and manufactures electrical control panels for industrial machinery, combining engineering, fabrication and field services for municipal utilities, advanced manufacturing, public infrastructure, and commercial and industrial customers.

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