Advanced Manufacturing
Where Production Moves Markets
Advanced Manufacturing Succeeds in Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky is a hub for advanced manufacturing, attracting companies that are powering innovation and modern production. Advanced manufacturers in NKY are using technologies such as robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing systems to improve efficiency and product quality.
As more businesses adopt advanced manufacturing technology in Kentucky, the region continues to build a strong reputation for high-tech manufacturing and innovation and the workforce to support the industry. With a central location, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure, Northern Kentucky is a key destination for companies focused on automation, robotics manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
“The people in Northern Kentucky are our most valuable resource. Having access to the education and technology resources in the region helps us fuel innovative thinking and innovative ideas that are needed for advanced manufacturing. There’s almost nothing we can’t make when we put our minds to it. Mazak is proud to have our North American headquarters in Florence, KY.”
Dan Janka, President, Mazak North America
Where Location Becomes a Competitive Edge
- #2 in aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing
- #2 in scheduled air freight transportation
- #5 best state for manufacturing (Site Selection Group, 2025)
- #6 Largest cargo airport in North America (Air Cargo World, 2024)
- DHL Express Global Superhub and Amazon Air cargo hubs at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- 55+ nonstop flights out of CVG
- One-day drive to 54% of the United States Population
Advanced Manufacturing in Northern Kentucky
Northern Kentucky is home to hundreds of modern manufacturers in a variety of industries, with concentrations in key sectors including automotive, aviation & aerospace, food & flavoring, materials & packaging, and medical device manufacturing.
Education
There are 25 four-year colleges/universities and 11 community and technical colleges located about 75 miles from Northern Kentucky.
Throughout the Cincinnati region, NKU, Thomas More University, University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, and Miami University provide leading engineering, business and technology talent to companies in the region. Business leaders cite the talent – dedication, education, and training combined with a willingness to learn – as a major asset for NKY.
The Northern Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NKY FAME) program at Gateway Community & Technical College offers students the opportunity to have a job at a manufacturer while attending classes and earning a degree at Gateway, which is paid for by the manufacturing company. Safran, Perfetti Van Melle, and Bosch Automotive Steering are among 14 employers in the region who are attracting the next generation into manufacturing apprenticeships and NKY FAME.
Toyota started FAME in Kentucky and grew it into a national program of the Manufacturing Institute, which has dozens of chapters around the country. FAME works through regional partnerships with manufacturers to provide apprenticeship-style training in conjunction with classes for students while preparing them for well-paying careers in manufacturing.
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WITH KIMBERLY
Kimberly Rossetti
VP of Economic Development
