While Foxconn may be building a new $174 million facility in Louisville, Kentucky, the new facility is likely not destined to join Apple’s supply chain.
Press releases by Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have announced that Foxconn will be building “it’s first U.S. manufacturing operation” in Louisville. The facility will potentially create 180 new jobs in the area.
“Louisville continues to emerge as the national leader in advanced manufacturing,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This investment is the result of strong collaboration among our state and local partners. We’re proud to welcome FTC-USA to Louisville and know this company will bring good-paying jobs, new opportunities, and lasting economic growth to our community. Louisville’s momentum is undeniable, and the world is taking notice.”
“Kentucky’s long, successful history of working with international companies has led to billions in economic investment and countless job opportunities over the years,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank FTC USA’s leadership for trusting in Kentucky to locate their first operation in the United States and for creating 180 new opportunities for our people. Together, we’ll see years of success in your New Kentucky Home.”
An already existing 350,000-square-foot warehouse located on Randy Coe Lane will be retrofitted to serve as a factory, on a 23-acre property. Foxconn will pay out $62.5 million over two separate construction phases.
The initial $10 million phase will include laying new concrete foundations to handle the heavy manufacturing equipment that will be used in the facility. An additional $52.5 million will be spent in the second phase, which will involve the final build-out, as well as new equipment.
The facility is expected to start operations in the third quarter of 2026.
While no details have been provided about who Foxconn will be partnering with or what will be manufactured at the new facility, it’s likely that the first partner that springs to mind for most observers is “Apple.”
However, the project is rather “low rent” when compared to most Apple/Foxconn projects we’ve seen, and lacks the capacity to build Apple products like the iPhone and iPad.
Also, there hasn’t been any word of someone securing multiple suppliers in the air, and so far there has been no word about any such deals.
Also, the announcement makes mention that the 350,000-square-foot facility will integrate AI and robotics into all phases of production — from design and assembly to logistics. Using AI in design goes against Apple’s typical manufacturing process.