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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Plans Simpson County, Kentucky, Manufacturing Operations

07/10/2025
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, a manufacturer of automotive wiring harnesses and related components, plans to expand its operations in Simpson County, Kentucky. The $17 million project is expected to create 76 jobs.

The investment will include the addition of new injection-molding machines, along with automated assembly equipment to produce electrical connectors for the automotive industry.

“We have been producing connectors and terminals in Kentucky since 1988; it’s very exciting to be able to continue to grow and expand in South Central Kentucky,” said John Saylors, division manager of Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems. “We have wanted to expand in Kentucky for several years, and with cooperation from the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority and the state, we are now able to move forward with our growth plans. This area offers a wealth of resources including the backbone of our business – our associates, as well as the local tech schools and supporting services.”

To support the project the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $850,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $17 million and annual targets of creation and maintenance of 76 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and paying an average hourly wage of $31, including benefits, across those jobs.

“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry has long been a key economic driver for this state, and the momentum we have seen within this sector in recent years shows no sign of slowing,” noted Governor Andy Beshear. “This is a fantastic investment for the Simpson County community, and I am thrilled to see a quality company like Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, which has done business in Kentucky for 37 years, continue to believe in our state’s resources and workforce. I want to thank the company’s leadership and look forward to their continued 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, SEWS 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.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems’ expansion to Franklin,” added Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority Executive Director Jim DeCesare. “This $17 million investment not only demonstrates their confidence in our workforce and community but also marks a major milestone in our continued economic growth. We look forward to supporting their success as they create 76 new jobs for our residents.”

Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems is a joint venture between Sumitomo Electric Industries and Sumitomo Wiring Systems. The company designs, develops, and manufactures products for the operation of vehicles, including wiring harnesses, electronic control units, and junction blocks.

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