“So all of this is part of an investment by Japanese companies in the ecosystem of advanced manufacturing in Kentucky,” said Penny Peavler, executive director of Develop Frankfort.
Nissin International Transport is officially expanding its footprint into the Bluegrass State, announcing plans to open its first Kentucky operation in Franklin County with an investment topping $14 million.
The project is expected to create 30 new jobs in the region. The facility is designed to serve as a logistics hub, supporting automotive suppliers that operate throughout the area.
Nissin International Transport U. S. A., a global logistics company specializing in air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and warehousing, plans to locate a new distribution center in Franklin County. https://t.co/fKzFpOuLhR
For years, the economic engine of Frankfort has been heavily dependent on state government employment. Mayor Layne Wilkerson noted that since 2025, the city has secured over 500 new jobs across a variety of sectors, a deliberate move to buffer the local economy against the cyclical nature of government staffing.
“Early in my term as mayor, coming out of COVID, one of our strategic goals was to diversify our economy,” Wilkerson said. “We were heavily dominated by state government here in Frankfort. And we’ve shown that since 2025, an announcement of over 500 jobs in various different sectors. And this is another win for Frankfort.”
Nissin’s decision to plant a flag in Kentucky was not arbitrary. The state’s long-standing history as a hub for major automotive manufacturers like Toyota and Ford provided the necessary foundation for the company to justify the expansion.
“As I explained, we’ve grown with the automotive industry and there is a very strong automotive industry, like Toyota, Ford,” said Tomoya Jero Yazaki, senior manager for Nissin International Transport. “Not only opening the warehouse, we are investing in the future of this community.”
According to local officials, the move is the result of 40 years of investment in Kentucky. By positioning the warehouse in Franklin County, the company gains proximity to the logistics networks that keep the regional automotive supply chain moving.
Beyond the immediate job numbers, local leadership views the investment as a vital source of long-term revenue. Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller emphasized that the financial health of the county relies heavily on the occupational tax generated by new business activity, rather than relying solely on property taxes.
Today, @GovAndyBeshear shared that Nissin International Transport U. S. A. announced plans to locate a new distribution center in Franklin County, a $14.3 million investment creating 30 quality jobs.📦 🔗: https://t.co/f3e44i6WMj pic.twitter.com/Bf9aLJ0WP8
“And so, you know, a lot of people think it’s property tax. Property tax, yes, that, there’s some money there, but the bulk of our money comes from occupational tax,” Mueller said. “And because of that, we’re able to do these things, which ultimately builds a better community that people want to move and stay here for decades to come.” Judge Executive Michael Mueller
While the initial investment is more than $14 million, Nissin has indicated that this Franklin County facility could open the door for a larger presence in the state.
As the facility prepares to open, the focus remains on whether this can catalyze further industrial interest in the area.
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