Simpson County grows; Trader Joe’s to establish Franklin distribution center

Leaders proactively prioritizing small town character

FRANKLIN, Ky. – Franklin-Simpson may have once been a hidden gem, but now the small farming town is turning heads near and far.

Just last month Governor Andy Beshear announced the electric vehicle battery manufacturer LioChem e-Materials will soon build their newest plant on Franklin soil.

Now, only weeks later, Simpson County announces that one huge grocery chain is calling Franklin home to their new one million square foot distribution center – the county’s largest economic development project. Trader Joe’s is soon to construct their newest $260 million distribution center in the city.

Simpson County Judge-Executive Mason Barnes said, “That was a project that we’ve worked pretty hard on for the last several months. I’m proud for our community in this region that we’re able to be a part of providing something that is bigger than just our county.”

The two investments expect to create over 1000 jobs.

With all the new opportunities in town, residential growth is compounding as well.

“The 2020 census showed Simpson County is the sixth fastest growing county in the state of Kentucky,” said Barnes “And in the last couple of years, we have permitted roughly 500 residential dwellings. So, with some of the industrial growth, [now] we have about 2,500 new dwelling units that are coming through the pipeline, through our planning and zoning process.”

Local legislation says they’re proactively prioritizing beautification and location when it comes to these newly built neighborhoods.

Simpson County Tourism Commission Executive Director Amy Ellis said, “I envision for [the community] to still have that small-town charm. And that is what we all want to hold on to. Of course, I’m a native of Franklin, and growth is great. It’s wonderful, but I still want it to be home. I still want it to be Franklin.”

Barnes agreed saying, “So we will we want to be sure that we’re laying out plans that’s where we’re seeing these growth areas are in the places in the areas that make the most sense, and that we do it in a way that doesn’t jeopardize the kind of small hometown feel and everything that we’ve all grown accustomed to here in Simpson County.”