On February 9, 2026, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced an ambitious new chapter for the state’s manufacturing sector: James Composites LLC, a company specializing in fiberglass barge covers, will invest $5.8 million to establish its first operation in the commonwealth. This new facility, set in Calvert City, Marshall County, is expected to generate 25 full-time jobs and further cement Kentucky’s reputation as a powerhouse in industrial growth.
The facility’s location at 390 Riverside Lane isn’t just a random dot on the map. It offers James Composites direct access to the Tennessee River via an on-site marine ways system, a logistical advantage that positions the company to serve the inland waterways barge market efficiently. Construction of the new building is anticipated to wrap up by November 2026, with operations slated to begin in early 2027. According to Kentucky.gov News, the site’s strategic riverside placement is key to the company’s vision and operational plans.
James Composites LLC, organized in April 2025, is part of the James Marine Inc. family—a name well-known in the inland river industry since its founding in 1986. James Marine Inc. provides a host of services, from towboat and barge repairs to vessel construction, painting, fueling, and even groceries and supplies for river operations. The new venture into fiberglass barge covers marks both a diversification and a deepening of the company’s commitment to marine industries.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to start our fiberglass barge cover manufacturing operations in Calvert City, Kentucky,” said Jeff James, managing member of James Composites and president/CEO of James Marine, in a statement reported by Kentucky.gov News. “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.”
The economic ripple effect of this project is already being felt across Marshall County and beyond. Local leaders have been quick to highlight the significance of the investment. Marshall County Judge/Executive Kevin Spraggs expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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.”
Calvert City Mayor Gene Colburn echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the region’s strengths: “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.”
The facility will create 25 specialized jobs in fiberglass manufacturing, with roles focused on fabrication and production. These positions are expected to pay an average hourly wage of $32.49, including benefits, according to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA). To encourage the project, KEDFA has preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment program. This performance-based agreement could provide up to $675,000 in tax incentives, contingent upon the company’s investment and job creation targets. Eligible incentives may be claimed against income tax liability or wage assessments, further sweetening the deal for James Composites.
But the incentives don’t stop there. The company will also have access to resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers, including no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training, and job-training incentives. This package is designed to ensure that the new jobs are not only created, but also filled by skilled local workers, further boosting the community’s economic prospects.
Elizabeth Griffith Mudd, president of Kentucky Lake Economic Development, highlighted the broader impact: “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.”
This announcement arrives during what Governor Beshear describes as the “best six-year period for economic growth in state history.” Since the start of his administration, Kentucky has seen over 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects, totaling more than $45 billion in announced investments and creating upwards of 68,000 jobs. That figure, according to Kentucky.gov News, is the highest investment tally for any Kentucky governor, and a staggering $24 billion more than the next highest total.
The state’s economic expansion isn’t limited to manufacturing. Major projects have included AESC’s $2 billion gigafactory in Warren County, Ford Motor Co.’s multiple billion-dollar commitments in Louisville and Hardin County, Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, and Toyota’s $1.3 billion expansion in Scott County. These investments have helped Kentucky earn accolades from Site Selection magazine, which ranked the state in the top five nationally for economic development projects per capita in its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings and placed it second in the South Central region in the 2025 Prosperity Cup.
Governor Beshear has also touted the state’s financial health, noting the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund in Kentucky’s history, as well as credit rating upgrades from agencies like Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service. In 2023, Kentucky surpassed 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has maintained that level since, a feat that underscores the state’s economic resilience and growth.
The James Composites project aligns with the Governor’s “New Kentucky Home” initiative, which aims to attract investment, retain and draw talent, and boost tourism. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Kentucky remains competitive in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
For those interested in learning more about James Composites or the broader economic development efforts in Kentucky, resources are available at jamesmarine.com and NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, offering updates and opportunities for community engagement.
With construction set to be completed by November 2026 and operations beginning in early 2027, James Composites’ arrival in Calvert City stands as a testament to Kentucky’s ongoing industrial momentum and its appeal to forward-thinking manufacturers. As the state continues to attract new investments and create high-quality jobs, projects like this one offer a glimpse into a future where Kentucky’s rivers and workforce drive economic prosperity for generations to come.