Lieutenant Governor Bessie Coleman joined Zotefoams Inc. officials to celebrate the completion of a major expansion at the company's North American headquarters in Walton, marking a milestone in the British-owned advanced materials manufacturer's growth in Northern Kentucky, according to the Governor's Office.

The 2026 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates the company's 25th anniversary of operations in the Walton facility, which opened in the late 1990s as a finishing operation after Zotefoams plc imported partially processed raw materials from the United Kingdom and performed final manufacturing in Northern Kentucky. Recent expansions have transformed the Walton site into a full end-to-end manufacturing facility.

The latest expansion increased output capacity by more than 20 percent and added approximately 53,000 square feet to the existing facility, enabling the company to serve high-performance markets including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, packaging and sports applications. The investment transforms the Kentucky site from a finishing operation into a full end-to-end manufacturing facility, giving North American customers shorter lead times and greater supply chain independence.

Zotefoams plc is the world leader in cellular material technology, producing specialized cross-linked block foams used by major manufacturers. The company's advanced foam materials are currently used by Boeing, Airbus, and Nike in demanding applications where material consistency and performance are critical.

The Walton facility's continued expansion reflects broader economic development in Northern Kentucky and the region's success in attracting and retaining international manufacturers. The company's investments underscore Kentucky's role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and foreign direct investment.