Southwire’s Kentucky plant has nearly doubled its size and workforce in recent years as part of an ongoing modernization effort aimed at increasing production capacity and reinforcing its role in the local economy.
Since opening in 1969, the plant has been a key component of Southwire’s growth and a major employer in Hancock County, according to a release. Recent upgrades have expanded the facility’s footprint from 439,570 to 806,770 square feet and boosted the number of team members from 427 to 561.
“The growth of our Hawesville, KY plant over the past few years is truly exciting,” said Roy Jackson, Southwire’s vice president of manufacturing. “We’ve successfully completed two major expansions, adding more than 100 new team member positions.”
The company is now in the midst of its third and fourth expansions, which are expected to bring another 50 positions. Jackson said the expansions will nearly double the plant’s bare overhead production capacity and replace most of the legacy equipment with updated technology.
Southwire officials said the upgraded equipment includes wire stranders, drawing machines, cable rewinders, coiling machines, and strip mills. They added that the innovations would increase the plant’s ability to meet growing demand across various business units and are designed to increase efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Southwire has also prioritized workplace safety and ergonomics as part of the modernization push. According to company data, in 2024, the plant recorded its lowest-ever total recordable incident rate.
To accommodate its growing workforce and improve workflow, Southwire has added a new guardhouse, expanded parking, a storeroom, and new office buildings.
“Over these last few years, we’ve embarked on an incredible improvement journey,” said Brett Kenerly, Southwire’s director of modernization program threads. “By 2027, we will have replaced or upgraded nearly all our existing equipment, created new offices and team member experience space, and doubled our production capability.”
Alongside physical upgrades, the company has emphasized its commitment to community engagement. In 2024, the Kentucky plant contributed tens of thousands of dollars to local charitable efforts and logged over 700 volunteer hours through Southwire’s Project GIFT program. Activities included support for the Daniel Pitino Shelter, CareNet, Puzzle Pieces, and Hancock County High School internships.
“The amount of investment being made here in Hawesville is a great example of Southwire’s commitment to being a long-term blessing to the community and the people we serve,” said Brian Blair, the plant’s site leader.
In recognition of its impact, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce named the plant “Business of the Year” in 2024.
For more information about Southwire and its initiatives, visit southwire.com/newsroom.
