FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 27, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced new growth in the commonwealth’s manufacturing and distribution and logistics sectors with Castellini Co. LLC, a third-party logistics company expanding its Wilder facility to provide warehousing, co-packing and transportation services for the food industry with a nearly $16.6 million investment that will create 180 new full-time jobs with 128 of those being Kentucky-resident positions in the area.
“Manufacturing and distribution and logistics are both crucial sectors in Kentucky, and companies like Castellini expanding their operations adds to the growth we’re seeing,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to congratulate Castellini on their expansion to the Wilder facility and thank the company’s leadership for continuing to grow, invest and create quality jobs right here in the commonwealth.”
Castellini’s Wilder facility expansion will include the addition of a 36,000-square-foot freezer, increasing its capability to provide additional services in the perishable third-party logistics industry. The expansion will also include installation of a pick-to-light order technology, which will increase the efficiency of the facility’s workforce. The company will also be assembling meal kits to be shipped out from the Wilder facility.
“We are excited about what this investment in our Wilder facility means for both the growth of Castellini Company and for the people of Northern Kentucky,” said Bob Castellini, Chairman of Castellini Company. “Our new freezer warehouse and order picking technology will allow us to continue to be a leader in the perishable third-party logistics industry. We want to thank Gov. Beshear, Judge Pendery and Mayor Jones for their support and commitment to creating jobs in Northern Kentucky.”
Founded in 1896, Castellini has a long tradition of innovation and excellence in the fresh produce and perishable distribution industries. Castellini operates warehousing and distribution facilities in Wilder, Kentucky and Conley, Georgia.
This expansion adds to Kentucky’s thriving distribution and logistics sector, which includes more than 600 facilities and employs over 91,000 people statewide. Administration-to-date, 120 new-location and expansion projects within the industry are expected to create more than 7,700 full-time jobs with over $2.2 billion in new investments.
Castellini’s project also contributes to Kentucky’s large manufacturing sector, which administration-to-date has seen more than 570 projects commit to invest over $21.9 billion and create nearly 28,900 jobs.
Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery thanked Castellini Company leaders for continuing to invest and adding 128 new jobs in the Wilder facility.
“Castellini is a leader in the just-in-time, ready-to-eat packaging business and will grow its total employee base by 60 percent at its Campbell County facility,” said Judge/Executive Pendery. “With Northern Kentucky’s transportation network and access to more than 50 percent of the U.S. population within a day’s drive, our region is ideal for food manufacturing and logistics companies.”
City of Wilder Mayor Valerie Jones congratulated Castellini on its expansion and the new investment and jobs it will create.
“This is an exciting day for the City of Wilder. Castellini Company is a valued employer in the City of Wilder and we welcome the new, good-paying jobs being created for our residents and the broader community,” added Mayor Jones. “Wilder is well positioned for manufacturing companies with ideal proximity to the highway system in Northern Kentucky.”
BE NKY Growth Partnership President & CEO Lee Crume noted that food and flavoring manufacturing is a strong subcluster in the Cincinnati region.
“Castellini is a legacy food and produce company founded in Cincinnati and we are thrilled to win an expansion of their Northern Kentucky facility,” said Crume. “We have more than 50 food and flavoring companies located in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties with hundreds more in the Cincinnati region. As food manufacturers innovate with changes in consumer behavior, we are working diligently to retain and attract them to Northern Kentucky.”
For more information on Castellini Co., visit CastelliniCompany.com.
A detailed community profile for Campbell County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
