Governor Andy Beshear announced today that Mizkan America (MA), known by most locals as Ragu, is expanding in Owensboro. The industry-leading producer of pasta sauce and vinegar products pledged a $156 million investment, creating 44 new jobs.
“Kentucky’s manufacturing sector has always played a key role throughout the commonwealth, and the tremendous growth we are seeing within the industry is critical to our surging economy,” Beshear said. “Companies like Mizkan America continue to believe and invest in the commonwealth and its communities, offering quality jobs and opportunities for Kentuckians to provide for themselves and their families. I want to thank the company, as well as local and state officials who helped bring this investment to the Owensboro community, and I look forward to Mizkan’s continued success here in Kentucky.”
Company officials said the Owensboro facility would expand by 320,000 square feet, bringing its total operational space to over 970,000 square feet. They added the new space would allow for building improvements, new machinery and equipment, IT upgrades, and “related assets that will help Mizkan best meet the current and future needs of its customers while maintaining its position as a market leader.”
The CEO of Mizkan America, Koichi Yuki, said the new project is in the design phase and will move to board approval early next year. He referred to the expansion as transformational.
“This new project would involve a substantial investment and demonstrates our strong commitment to fulfilling the needs of our customers in alignment with Mizkan’s two principles: to offer customers only the finest products and to continuously challenge the status quo,” Yuki said. “We are very excited about the opportunity this will afford MA to grow our business and allow us to better serve our customers. Likewise, we are extremely grateful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for being such supportive partners in this venture.”
Daviess County Judge Executive Charlie Castlen was ecstatic about the job opportunities the company’s commitment will offer the community.
“Mizkan is a company that prides itself on top-quality products. To have them select Owensboro/Daviess County for this $156 million investment, and more importantly, adding over 40 employees to their global workforce, is a win and shows Mizkan’s long-term commitment to our community,” Castlen said. “It is a recognition of the quality of employees our citizens are known to be. I wish Mizkan every success with this expansion and the addition of their new (to us) product line.”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson echoed Castlen’s sentiment and looks forward to the company’s continued success in the area.
“The city appreciates Mizkan’s investment to create a new product line in Owensboro,” Watson said. “As one of our premier long-term employers, this investment positions the company for success in Owensboro for decades to come.”
As president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, Claude Bacon elaborated on Mizkan’s economic impact of the local economy.
“Working on this project with Mizkan over the last nine months has been a pleasure. Mizkan’s operation in Greater Owensboro is significant to our economy and this expansion project helps solidify the company’s presence here for the long term,” Bacon said. “We are excited they chose Owensboro for this expansion and look forward to the next steps in making it a reality. The expansion project represents not only a significant investment in our infrastructure but also a commitment to the economic vitality of our community. By creating new jobs, attracting businesses, and fostering innovation, this project will pave the way for sustained growth and prosperity for all residents.”
The governor said Mizkan America’s investment and job creation builds upon the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
For more information on Mizkan America, visit mizkan.com.
