Astemo Americas will invest more than $112 million to increase production of hybrid electric-vehicle motors at its two manufacturing plants in Berea, Kentucky, adding 114 jobs and nearly 300,000 square feet of production and warehouse space. The Madison County project is the first stage of a multi-year program the company says will create 282 new jobs and expand output of hybrid EV powertrain components at its Kentucky facilities. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the project as one of the largest single investments in Madison County in recent years.
Highlights
- $112 million-plus investment in Astemo’s two Berea plants on Mayde Road
- 114 new jobs in the current phase, part of a program expected to create 282
- Nearly 300,000 square feet of added production and warehouse space
- Astemo Americas employs nearly 6,000 people at 12 U.S. plants and nearly 15,000 across 23 sites in the Americas
What Astemo Builds in Kentucky
The Berea operations produce chassis and electric powertrain components. The expansion targets hybrid EV motor production specifically, according to the company. Astemo also operates a plant in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, which builds electric-powertrain and engine-management systems.
Astemo opened its first Kentucky plant in 1985. The Commonwealth’s economic development authority supported the Berea expansion, the company said.
“Since we opened our first Kentucky plant in 1985, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has been a cornerstone of our U.S. operations,” said Tim Clark, president and CEO of Astemo Americas. “We especially appreciate the continued support of the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in helping us expand our operations in Berea to provide our customers with cutting-edge automotive components.”
State and Local Response
Governor Beshear said the project will result in a near-record number of new jobs for Madison County over the next several years.
“Kentucky continues to lead the way when it comes to advanced manufacturing and EV operations and this project represents another great company choosing to reinvest in the commonwealth,” said Governor Beshear. “The expansion will create 114 new job opportunities for Kentucky workers and their families. Congratulations to Astemo Americas on this historic project, and I look forward to many more years of their success here in the commonwealth.”
Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley said the expansion program will have “a generational impact on our community and the region.” Astemo Americas is the city’s largest single employer.
“Astemo’s growth here will generate jobs and career opportunities throughout the area beyond the 114 new openings at the company’s two Berea plants,” Fraley said. “Our city looks forward to continued growth along with our largest single employer, Astemo Americas.”
Astemo’s North American Footprint
Astemo Americas, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, is a division of Tokyo-based Astemo, Ltd., a joint venture between Hitachi, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., and JIC Capital, Ltd. The parent company has 80,000 employees worldwide and operates through Electrification, Vehicle, and Motorcycle business divisions.
In September 2025, Astemo Americas announced plans for a development center and regional headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, expected to create 200 jobs in Southeastern Michigan. The company manufactures engine-management, electric powertrain, and integrated vehicle-control systems for automakers worldwide.
