Franklin manufacturer’s tape featured in NASA Artemis II mission

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A factory in Franklin has been recognized after one of its products was selected for NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon.

Vybond, a Franklin-based company that specializes in industrial tape, recently learned its product was featured in coverage of the Artemis II mission.

The company says it is proud NASA chose its tape because of its versatility and reliability.

Officials say the recognition reflects decades of work by employees at the Franklin facility.

“It’s wonderful for all the employees here in Franklin because, with a 70-year history, we now have third- and fourth-generation employees,” said Vybond CEO Mike Hill. “It’s really exciting, and it’s neat to manufacture a product that’s so versatile that it would be chosen to go to space, orbit the moon and come back.”

The company is also approaching its 70th anniversary.

“We are working on plans now, but we will definitely bring in 70 years with a bang,” Hill said. “I’m so excited for the many wonderful people I’ve personally met and close friends of mine who have been here 30 years.

“We just want to keep it going. We don’t want 70 years to be the end. I’m looking forward to seeing 80, 90 and 100 years,” he added.

Vybond is one of Franklin’s largest employers, providing around 600 jobs.

The company plans to expand that number to more than 700 in the coming year.