While the commonwealth celebrates Manufacturing Month, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kenlake Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kroger Co., is expanding its current operation in Calloway County with a $24 million investment creating 15 high-wage, Kentucky jobs.
“From large corporations to family-owned businesses, we are continuing to see Kentucky companies believe and invest in our communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kenlake Foods has been serving the Murray and Western Kentucky region for over four decades, and this investment is a critical step to ensuring they continue to do so for many years to come. I want to thank the company’s leadership for their continued support and investment in the commonwealth.”
The $24 million investment will expand the Murray operation by 6,000 square feet, bringing the facility’s total square footage to 215,000. The project will include the installation of new processing equipment for dry roasting and packaging various nut lines.
Kenlake Foods has provided snack, baking and produce nuts to all Kroger retail divisions since 1982. The company also specializes in the manufacture of more than 800 items, mostly dry mixes and salted nuts, but also processes puddings, gelatins, drink mixes, instant oatmeal and oats. The Murray plant was one of the first 41 Kroger manufacturing plants located across the United States and today employs over 340 Kentuckians.
Kroger maintains 112 stores in Kentucky, employing more than 19,000 associates. The commonwealth is also home to four manufacturing and distribution facilities that service the company, as well as a regional headquarters in Louisville. Since 1987, Kroger’s floral designers have created the famous Kentucky Derby Garland of Roses. In 2017, Kroger and the University of Kentucky entered a 12-year marketing agreement that renamed the university’s football stadium to Kroger Field.
Calloway County Judge/Executive Kenneth Imes appreciates the company for the opportunities they are bringing to Murray and Calloway County: “As Judge/Executive, we work with the Murray County Economic Development Corporation, the city and local industries to help provide jobs for our people. This project is certainly welcome news and shows that Kenlake is doing good things for Calloway County and the commonwealth.”
Murray Mayor Bob Rogers is excited to continue the long-standing presence of Kenlake Foods in our local community: “As Mayor of the city of Murray, I am certainly glad to see Kroger and Kenlake continue to invest in our community. This commitment of 15 new full-time jobs and $24 million in investment helps solidify the long-term presence of Kenlake and is welcome news. We continue to work hard to be a business-friendly city and appreciate the benefits of our collaboration with Kroger and Kenlake.”
Jerry Duncan, chairman of the Murray County Economic Development Corporation, noted the important role the company plays in the region and the jobs that this project will create: “Kenlake has been an important part of our local economy for many years. Working with the company and the city on this project will mean the addition of 15 well-paying jobs to the community to help support 15 families. The MCEDC is proud to partner with our manufacturing employers to make their investment decisions easy and to support the commonwealth in our mutual goal of smart growth.”