BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — AKFA Aluminum Solutions, a division of Uzbekistan's AKFA Group, announced plans to become the first Uzbekistani company to establish a manufacturing operation in the United States, making a significant investment to locate a new facility in Bowling Green, creating 331 Kentucky jobs. The announcement, celebrated by Gov. Andy Beshear, represents a historic milestone for the state's manufacturing sector.

The announcement introduces a new international partner to the commonwealth and is an important step for U.S. and Uzbekistan trade relations, while creating 331 jobs for Kentuckians. The company expects to maintain 331 full-time jobs paying an average hourly wage of $27.03, including benefits, based on an $80 million investment.

The Bowling Green facility will serve as a full-cycle aluminum production hub, featuring advanced extrusion, anodizing, and finishing capabilities that meet U.S. energy and environmental standards. The operation will integrate recycled aluminum billets and energy-efficient systems, supporting a low-carbon supply chain and aligning with growing demand for sustainable, high-performance materials across construction, transportation, and renewable energy markets. The new facility is located in the Kentucky Transpark.

AKFA Aluminum Solutions U.S. LLC operates the aluminum division of AKFA Group, one of Central Asia's largest industrial companies with more than 8,000 employees across 20 facilities. AKFA Group produces up to 100,000 tons of product annually, supplying materials for global markets including construction, transportation and renewable energy.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement that could provide up to $5.6 million in tax incentives. AKFA also received approval for up to $500,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which allows companies to recoup sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, and equipment. By meeting annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates.

"This is more than a facility — it is a bridge between two nations," said Ilhom Abiev, representative of AKFA Aluminum Solutions US LLC. "We chose Kentucky because it offers everything we value — strategic location, skilled talent, and a forward-looking community that believes in innovation." Year to date, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced 13 economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling $351.4 million in capital investment and 431 new jobs. The region has been recognized as a Top Tier 2 Metro in the United States for 13 consecutive years.