Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated local officials and company leadership from Aerospace Composites Solutions (formerly Blackhawk Composites), a comprehensive composite design and manufacturing company focused on boosting aircraft performance and capabilities, as the company broke ground on a $16.8 million expansion and relocation in Morgantown that will create 72 new full-time jobs in the area.
“Established companies expanding in the commonwealth is crucial to building on the economic momentum we’ve been experiencing,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky has been home to Aerospace Composites Solutions for over a decade, and I’m excited to see them continue to grow and invest in Kentucky. I look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive here in the commonwealth.”
For more than a decade, ACS has been located at 404 West Morrison Street in Morgantown. While the facility has served the company well, ACS’ growth projections for the next 12 to 18 months require a larger facility to accommodate increased production. The company plans to build a new 150,000-square-foot facility on Lot 1 of the Morgantown Industrial Park. In 2021, Lot 1 became the first Build-Ready-certified location in Morgantown.
“We are thrilled to announce this decision in Morgantown,” said Aerospace Composites Solutions President Matt Shieman. “This expansion will not only strengthen our presence in the region but also contribute to the growth and development of the local economy. We are committed to investing in the community and creating high-quality job opportunities.”
ACS is a leading provider of comprehensive, advanced composites manufacturing services for the aerospace industry. The company’s services include design support, prototype creation, manufacture and certification of composite components. Composites are lighter, stronger and more durable than standard aerospace and high-performance industry materials, offering opportunities for increased performance, strength and payload with reduced maintenance costs. With a commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, the company specializes in delivering diverse composite solutions to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
Butler County Judge/Executive Tim Flener spoke on sustainability: “We are proud of the work being done at ACS and are looking forward to their continued growth in Morgantown. Expansions like these are critical for the economic growth and sustainability of our community.”
Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps thanked ACS for its investment and job creation: “I want to thank Aerospace Composites for this investment and the creation of these new jobs in our community. Growth begins with our existing industries, and ACS is just the latest company to provide evidence that our community provides the necessary support to help businesses succeed.”
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce President Ron Bunch spoke on the regional efforts that went into the expansion: “The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to taking a regional approach to economic development. We support Morgantown’s efforts to help grow their existing businesses and to attract new ones. We are here to provide resources to grow the South Central region’s economy. We win together and join Morgantown in celebrating the news of ACS’s expansion.”