On February 9, 2026, the state of Kentucky found itself at the center of a promising new chapter in its manufacturing history. According to Kentucky.gov News, Governor Andy Beshear announced that James Composites LLC, a recently established producer of fiberglass barge covers, will invest $5.8 million to set up its first manufacturing facility in the commonwealth. This significant investment will not only bring a new industry player to Marshall County but is also poised to create 25 quality, full-time jobs for local residents—an economic boost that has officials and community members alike buzzing with anticipation.
The new facility will be located at 390 Riverside Lane in Calvert City, a site that offers direct access to the Tennessee River through its marine ways system. This strategic position, as highlighted by FOX23 News, is expected to give James Composites a logistical advantage in serving the inland waterways barge market. Construction of the building is already underway, with completion targeted for November 2026. Once the dust settles and the doors open, operations are slated to begin in early 2027.
James Composites LLC itself is a fresh face in the industry, having been organized in April 2025. Yet, it’s hardly starting from scratch. The company is part of the James Marine Inc. family, a group founded back in 1986 that’s well-versed in providing a broad range of services to the inland river industry. These services include everything from towboat and barge repairs to fueling, towing, and even grocery supply for river vessels. In other words, James Composites is building upon a sturdy foundation of industry know-how and regional experience.
Governor Beshear, in his official remarks, was quick to connect this development to Kentucky’s broader economic trajectory. "Kentucky’s manufacturing industry continues to fuel our historic economic momentum, providing quality job opportunities and investment in communities across the entire state," he said, as reported by both Kentucky.gov News and FOX23 News. "James Composites is creating dozens of great jobs for Kentuckians while further strengthening our commonwealth’s industrial base. I want to thank the company’s leadership for their trust and welcome them to their New Kentucky Home."
Jeff James, managing member of James Composites and the president and CEO of James Marine, echoed the governor’s enthusiasm. "We are extremely excited about the opportunity to start our fiberglass barge cover manufacturing operations in Calvert City, Kentucky," he stated. "This new business will allow us to create high-quality jobs here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and provide an additional supply option for a vital product to the inland waterways barge market that we serve. We are appreciative of all the state and local government officials and Kentucky Lake Economic Development for their assistance and support for this project, and we are looking forward to the future and getting our operations underway."
James Composites’ arrival is more than just a new business opening its doors; it’s a signal of confidence in the region’s workforce and infrastructure. Marshall County Judge/Executive Kevin Spraggs was quick to underscore the local significance. "We are pleased to see James Composites choosing to locate in Marshall County. This project brings new opportunity to our community, supports local jobs, and adds to the momentum we continue to build across the Kentucky Lake region. Investments like this help ensure a strong, diverse economy that benefits our residents and strengthens our future," he said.
Calvert City Mayor Gene Colburn, for his part, pointed out that the city’s strengths are no accident. "Any time we see an expansion from an existing business, it’s exciting for Calvert City, because it speaks to the strength of our community and the importance of retaining the companies that already believe in this region. Investing in homegrown businesses with proven success is a smart bet, and it keeps that momentum building right here at home. Having a company like James Marine invest and expand through James Composites is a strong sign that our location, our workforce and our access to the inland waterways continue to make Calvert City a prime economic driver for Marshall County and Western Kentucky."
Elizabeth Griffith Mudd, president of Kentucky Lake Economic Development, summed up the mood among regional boosters. "We are thrilled to welcome James Composites to Calvert City and Marshall County. This project’s investment reflects the strength of our industrial base, our access to inland waterways and the skilled workforce that continues to make this region attractive to manufacturing companies. Projects like this not only strengthen our local economy but also reinforce Kentucky Lake’s role as a strategic location for marine and river-related industries."
The new plant isn’t just about jobs—it’s about opportunity. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) has preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with James Composites under the Kentucky Business Investment program. This performance-based deal could provide up to $675,000 in tax incentives, so long as the company meets its targets. Specifically, James Composites must create and maintain 25 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across those 15 years, paying an average hourly wage of $32.49 including benefits. According to Kentucky.gov News, the company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments, and it can also tap into resources like no-cost recruitment, job placement services, and customized job-training programs.
It’s not just the local community that stands to gain. Governor Beshear has repeatedly pointed to Kentucky’s recent economic boom, and this project is yet another feather in the state’s cap. Since the beginning of his administration, Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects, totaling over $45 billion in announced investments and creating more than 68,000 jobs. These numbers, as highlighted by Kentucky.gov News, surpass the investment figures of any previous governor and have helped Kentucky claim a spot among the nation’s leaders in economic development. In fact, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally for economic development projects per capita and second in the South Central region for its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings. The state also landed sixth nationally in Site Selection’s 2025 Prosperity Cup ranking.
James Composites’ investment comes at a time when Kentucky is actively seeking to attract new talent, boost tourism, and accelerate economic growth under the New Kentucky Home initiative. The state’s robust economic development efforts have also resulted in the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund in its history, as well as rating increases from all major credit rating agencies.
As reported by Plastics News, the arrival of James Composites signals a broader trend of growth within the plastics and composites manufacturing sector. While the publication also highlighted finalists for its 2025 Processor of the Year award, the focus on James Composites’ expansion underscores the company’s ambition and the industry’s confidence in Kentucky’s industrial climate.
For Marshall County and Calvert City, the announcement is more than just a press release—it’s a sign of things to come. With construction set to wrap up by November 2026 and operations beginning in early 2027, the community is preparing for a new era of economic activity and opportunity. Residents and officials alike are eager to see the ripple effects of this investment, from new jobs and higher wages to the strengthening of Kentucky’s position as a hub for manufacturing and river-based commerce.
In a region where the river has long been a lifeline, James Composites’ decision to anchor its future here is a testament to the enduring appeal of Kentucky’s workforce, infrastructure, and spirit. As the state continues to set records in job creation and investment, the story of James Composites serves as both a milestone and a beacon for what’s possible when industry and community move forward together.