Gov. Beshear Congratulates AKFA Aluminum on Breaking Ground at New Bowling Green Facility, Creating 331 Kentucky Jobs

Project launch is first for Uzbekistan-based manufacturer in the United States

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 7, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated AKFA Aluminum Solutions, a division of Uzbekistan's AKFA Group, as the company began work on its new Bowling Green manufacturing facility.

AKFA is the first Uzbekistan-based company to establish a manufacturing operation in the United States, making a significant investment to locate a new facility in Kentucky, creating 331 Kentucky jobs.

"Today's event is a great reminder that Kentucky's economic momentum remains strong as the commonwealth welcomes companies from all over the world to their New Kentucky Home," said Gov. Beshear. "This project is bringing great new job opportunities for Kentuckians in Bowling Green and the surrounding region. I want to thank AKFA Aluminum's leaders for believing in our great state and congratulate them on this important milestone. I look forward to watching their success and growth here in the commonwealth."

The company's new facility will serve as a full-cycle production hub, featuring advanced extrusion, anodizing and finishing capabilities aligned with U.S. energy and environmental standards. AKFA's first U.S. operation will integrate recycled aluminum billets and energy-efficient systems to support a low-carbon supply chain - reinforcing the region's growing reputation in sustainable, advanced manufacturing.

A public celebration was held Monday at the Cabinet for Economic Development's Team Kentucky booth at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in National Harbor, Maryland, with participation from AKFA and CED officials to commemorate the official announcement of AKFA's project in Bowling Green. The partnership was formally recognized, and this marked the official launch of AKFA's presence in Kentucky.

"The groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step in AKFA Aluminum Solutions' long-term presence in the U.S. market, and we are proud to be embarking on this journey right here in Bowling Green," said Alisher Srajidinov, management board member and chief operating officer of AKFA Aluminum Group. "This facility will enable us to better serve our customers, create high-quality jobs, bring advanced manufacturing capabilities to south-central Kentucky and capture the invaluable manufacturing and innovation expertise based on our customers' needs not only in the U.S. but also in Uzbekistan. It is also important to highlight the opportunities created for businesses, particularly in terms of financing. Due to the conditions that have been established, we are in the final stages of securing funding from an American bank for the further implementation of the project. We are grateful to state and local leaders, as well as the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, for their partnership in making this

project a reality."

AKFA Aluminum Solutions U.S. LLC operates the aluminum division of AKFA Group, one of Central Asia's largest industrial companies with more than 8,000 employees across 20 facilities. AKFA Group produces up to 100,000 tons of product annually, supplying materials for global markets including construction, transportation and renewable energy.

Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman noted the role this investment will play in supporting the county's continued growth: "Warren County is honored to welcome AKFA Aluminum Solutions to our growing manufacturing base. Today's groundbreaking is not just the start of a construction project - it's the beginning of new opportunities for our residents, our workforce and our local businesses. We are committed to supporting AKFA as they establish and expand their operations here."

Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott emphasized how the project aligns with the city's strategic priorities: "AKFA's investment in Bowling Green is a powerful affirmation of our city's vision and values. Our mission is 'Community Led, Service Driven and Powered by Growth,' and this project captures all three. By working together with our partners, we are creating an environment where global companies can thrive, local families can find quality jobs and our community can continue to move forward."

Meredith Wilson, interim president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the project to the region's economy: "AKFA Aluminum Solutions' decision to locate its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Bowling Green underscores our community's strength as a destination for international investment. Today's groundbreaking reflects the power of collaboration among our public and private partners, and we look forward to the long-term economic impact this investment will bring to Warren County and the commonwealth."

AKFA's investment and job creation furthers what has been the best six-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth's history and $29 billion more than the next highest total.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the battery capital of the United States: AESC's $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Ford Motor Co.'s $2 billion, 2,200-job commitment in Louisville, as well as its $2 billion, 2,100-job project at the Kentucky 1 plant in Hardin County; Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing's $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County; and Toyota's $1.3 billion investment in Scott County, among others.

The Governor's administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody's Investors Service.

Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor's Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and No. 6 nationally in its 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent and increase tourism across the state.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in December 2025 preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide tax incentives based on the company's investment and annual job targets.

Additionally, KEDFA approved AKFA for tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

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, AKFA 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.

For more information on AKFA, visit AKFAAluminium.com.

A detailed community profile for Warren County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky's economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

###