Develop Frankfort

10/30/2026

Welcome & Thank you to Nissin U.S.A. for investing in Franklin County. Today Governor Andy Beshear joined Ron & Patrick Tierney, Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Mayor Layne Wilkerson & Develop Frankfort in announcing exciting new momentum within the state’s logistics and automotive industries, as Nissin International Transport U.S.A., a global logistics company specializing in air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage and warehousing, announced plans to locate a new distribution center in Franklin County, a $14.3 million investment creating 30 quality jobs.

“Kentucky’s surging economy is powered by our incredible workforce, our key industries, and our business-friendly environment that makes us an ideal location for any company looking to locate a new operation,” said Gov. Beshear. “Nissin joins a long list of international companies that recognize the value of doing business here in the commonwealth. I am excited to see 30 new jobs coming to Franklin County and the opportunities they provide for our hard-working Kentuckians and their families. I want to thank Nissin’s leadership for their belief in our great commonwealth and look forward to their future success.”

The new distribution center, to be located in Franklin County Industrial Park 3, off US 60 and Duncan Road, and developed by Ron & Patrick Tierney, will primarily support the production activities of Toyota-affiliated suppliers. The operation will provide warehousing, depot storage, unpacking, assembly support and other value-added logistics services for automotive parts and related materials. Nissin’s new facility will help meet growing demand, as the company has received requests for warehousing and logistics services from multiple suppliers in the region. The new distribution center will establish Nissin’s logistics base in Kentucky, enabling the company to expand its automotive logistics business and contribute to the further development of the automotive industry in the commonwealth.

Nissin International Transport U.S.A., Inc. is a 100% owned subsidiary of Nissin Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, which was founded in 1938 as a domestic in-harbor transport company. Nissin Group established operations in the United States in 1973 and has since grown to service major cities throughout North America. Nissin’s global network of offices and agents includes over 400 locations and 200 warehouses in 23 different countries, employing more than 2,000 workers. This new project in Franklin County represents the company’s first operation in Kentucky.

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller noted the perfect fit between the company and community: “With our highly skilled workforce and central location, Franklin County is a perfect home for Nissin’s first Kentucky operation. Our community has a long and established history of supporting Kentucky’s expansive automotive industry, and we thank Nissin for helping to grow our local workforce with 30 new, quality jobs. Franklin County looks forward to working with Nissin to continue supporting the automotive industry as they expand their presence to Kentucky.”

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson is excited to see the positive impact the project brings to the local economy: “We are pleased to welcome Nissin to Frankfort and grateful for their investment of more than $14 million in our community. Frankfort’s skilled and experienced automotive workforce, combined with Nissin’s global reach and industry expertise, makes this a natural fit. We look forward to a long and successful partnership that creates new opportunities for our residents and strengthens Frankfort’s growing economy.”

Learn more at:

https://www.nitusa.com/

Ron & Patrick Tierney, thank you for investing in Frankfort. Your investment made this project possible & that of their customer Nitto who brought nearly 300 jobs in 2025. Thank you to Brian Erwin of Bluegrass Commercial Real Estate for your leadership!

Franklin County Fiscal Court
Frankfort, KY City Government
Thank you for investing in economic development.

Sherry Sebastian Magistrate Kelly Dycus J.W. Blackburn II Magistrate D2 Elect Mike Harrod, Richard Tanner, Eric Whisman

Rob Richardson Frankfort City Commissioner Leesa Unger, Frankfort City Commissioner Katima McMillan Kelly May

Thank you Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for the opportunity to work together!

We provide international freight forwarding, customs and brokerage and warehousing distribution services to companies in all types of industries. Learn more.

10/06/2026

Please see the attached agenda for Develop Frankfort's REGULAR Board Meeting scheduled for October 8, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The primary location of this board meeting is 315 W Main Street, Suite 303, Frankfort, KY 40601. If you will be attending, please enter the Fiscal Court Annex and take the elevator to the third floor, the conference room will be the second door to your right.

09/28/2026

Ismael may not have been born in Frankfort, but today, he proudly calls it home.

As the owner of Mi Fiesta on St. Clair Street, Ismael has built more than a business in Kentucky’s capital city. Frankfort is where he is raising his family, growing his business, and becoming part of the community he loves.

For Ismael, some of what makes Frankfort special can be found right in the heart of downtown, from the concerts and community events on the Old Capitol grounds to the people and places that give the city its character.

His story is a reminder that being rooted in Frankfort isn’t always about where your story started. Sometimes, it’s about where you choose to build your future.

A business built here. A family raised here. A community he is proud to call home.

He, Too, is Kentucky Distilled.

09/24/2026

Please see the attached agenda for the Franklin Anderson Industrial Development Authority REGULAR board meeting. The board meeting will be held at 205 E Woodford Street, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 in the Lawrenceburg Police Department at 1:00 pm, September 30, 2026.

09/23/2026

Franklin County's manufacturing sector helps power industries around the world.

Cummins Inc produces reliable drivetrain and braking technologies that commercial and industrial customers depend on every day.

09/18/2026

Sarah Booe is carrying forward a Frankfort tradition more than a century in the making.

Her great-grandmother, Ruth Hanly Booe, and Rebecca Gooch founded Rebecca Ruth Chocolates in Frankfort in 1919, beginning a family legacy that would become an enduring part of Kentucky’s capital city. Today, Sarah represents the fourth generation of her family to be part of the business, continuing a story deeply rooted in Frankfort.

For Sarah, Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory@ is more than a family business. It is a connection between generations and a uniquely Frankfort story of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and tradition. From its beginnings at the Frankfort Hotel to becoming a Kentucky institution known for its bourbon chocolates, Rebecca Ruth has remained closely tied to the community where it all began.

As Sarah helps carry that legacy into a new generation, she embodies so much of what makes Frankfort special: pride of place, family tradition, local entrepreneurship, and a commitment to preserving something distinctly Kentucky.

Rooted in Frankfort. Built on generations of tradition. And undeniably Kentucky.

She, Too, is Kentucky Distilled.

09/17/2026

This is fantastic news for Frankfort and Franklin County!

Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties is expanding its service area to include Franklin County, bringing new opportunities for affordable homeownership, home repairs, and neighborhood investment right here in our community.

With one of the largest housing gaps in Kentucky, affordable housing continues to be one of the most important challenges we face. Partnerships like this can make a real difference for working families and help strengthen our community for generations to come.

I encourage everyone to learn more and join the conversation on October 28 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Paul Sawyier Public Library.

Welcome to Franklin County, Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties! 🏠❤️

Exciting news, Franklin County!

Lexington Habitat for Humanity is expanding its service area and becoming Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties. With a shortage of 4,457 housing units and 37% of renters cost-burdened in Franklin County, this expansion brings new pathways to affordable homeownership right here at home.

Read the full press release below!

09/15/2026

Nitto’s decision to expand in Frankfort is a testament to what makes Franklin County a great place to do business.

The addition of 220 new jobs represents continued investment, innovation and confidence in our community’s future.

09/02/2026

Please see the attached agenda for Develop Frankfort's REGULAR Board Meeting scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The primary location of this board meeting is 315 W Main Street, Suite 303, Frankfort, KY 40601. If you will be attending, please enter the Fiscal Court Annex and take the elevator to the third floor, the conference room will be the second door to your right.