Since 1969, Southwire’s Kentucky plant has played a major role in both the company’s transformative growth and the local economy in Hancock County, KY. Within the last several years, the company’s commitment to the local community has been reinforced through significant modernization projects designed to support growth, increase job opportunities and expand operational capacity. 

These initiatives have broadened the plant’s capabilities, increasing the square footage of the facility from 439,570 to 806,770 square feet while improving its service offerings to key business units. 

As part of these modernization efforts, the total number of team members at the Southwire Kentucky plant has grown substantially, rising from 427 to 561 team members. This expansion in workforce reflects the company’s commitment to not only growing its production but also investing in the community by creating more job opportunities. 

“The growth of our Hawesville, KY plant over the past few years is truly exciting,” said Roy Jackson, Southwire’s vice president of manufacturing. “We've successfully completed two major expansions, adding more than 100 new team member positions. Currently, we are in the process of our third and fourth expansions, which will add another 50 positions. Once these expansions are complete, we will have nearly doubled our bare overhead production capacity and replaced almost all legacy production equipment with new machines and technology. These expansions are key to maintaining our position as the premier manufacturer of bare overhead conductors in North America.” 

The plant’s growth has also enabled Southwire to better serve a diverse range of business units. These enhancements were made possible by upgrading and adding new state-of-the-art equipment designed to improve efficiency, safety and productivity.  

Among the new equipment and upgraded technology are wire stranders, drawing machines, cable rewind machines, coiling machines, strip mills and more. This new equipment further enhances the plant’s ability to manufacture a wide variety of wire and cable products to meet diverse market needs.  

Modernization efforts in the workplace, particularly in the areas of safety and ergonomics, have a significant impact on team members' well-being and productivity. By integrating advanced technologies and updated systems, Southwire's Kentucky plant has created a safer work environment that reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. In 2024, the plant's total recordable incident rate (TRIR) was the lowest it has been in the plant's history, a testament to all the hard work that has been done at the facility when it comes to safety.  

To support the growing number of team members at the site and ensure a more efficient workflow, several infrastructure improvements have also been made onsite. A new guardhouse, expanded parking lot, storeroom and office buildings have been created to provide a more organized and secure environment for team members.  

"Over these last few years, we've embarked on an incredible improvement journey, transforming our Kentucky facility into a more efficient, sustainable and safer workplace," said Brett Kenerly, Southwire's director of modernization program threads. "By 2027, we will have replaced or upgraded nearly all our existing equipment, created new offices and team member experience space and doubled our production capability. For more than 57 years, our Kentucky team has delivered unmatched quality and innovation to the bare aluminum overhead market, and we are well positioned to continue to lead. We are grateful for the investment and excited for the future." 

While the physical transformation at the Kentucky plant is significant, the plant is equally committed to Giving Back to the surrounding community. Over the course of 2024, the plant made noteworthy donations, contributing tens of thousands of dollars to local philanthropic charities and other sponsorships.    

The plant’s dedication to community engagement is also evident through volunteerism and its activation of Project GIFT, with more than 700 volunteer hours logged by team members in 2024. These efforts include participating in Southwire’s Back to School initiative, support for the Daniel Pitino Shelter, CareNet and Puzzle Pieces, as well as partnerships with the Crossroads Women’s Shelter, Walk to End Alzheimer's and Hancock County High School Interns. In addition, the plant has also played an active role in River Sweep, Memorial Day Flags and projects benefiting local landmarks, like Jeffrey’s Cliffs.  

“The amount of investment being made here in Hawesville is a great example of Southwire’s commitment to being a long-term blessing to the community and the people we serve,” said Brian Blair, site leader at Southwire’s Kentucky plant. 

In 2024, in recognition of its achievements and community involvement, the Kentucky plant was awarded the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year”. This award highlights the plant’s exceptional growth, dedication to excellence and its impact on both the local economy and the community. With this recognition, the Kentucky plant exemplifies Southwire’s dedication to providing excellent products, service and experiences to its customers, team members and communities. 

Overall, the modernization and expansion efforts have positioned the Southwire Kentucky plant as a leader in the wire and cable and manufacturing industry while remaining deeply committed to its community and workforce. As the plant continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation, teamwork and Giving Back.  

Para obtener más noticias sobre Southwire, visite www.southwire.com/newsroom.