Workforce diversity helps Bowling Green’s manufacturing industry

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Bowling Green is receiving national recognition for its manufacturing capabilities, placing second overall across the entire country. 

The Global Trade Magazine released their top 20 manufacturing cities, with Bowling Green placing just after Columbus, Indiana. And local companies can attest to the great manufacturing community here. 

“We came here 20 years ago from St. Louis.  It was really everything we hoped for when we came,” said Stupp Bridge’s vice president and general manager Derek Clemons. 

Part of this success is because of the long-standing history and reputation of manufacturing in the city over dozens of years. 

Just since 2017, manufacturing businesses in the targeted industries have created 2,566 new jobs and the businesses have invested nearly $700 million into their facilities. 

President and CEO of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Ron Bunch said manufacturers choose this area because of the community, low cost of living and accessible location. Bunch said the diversity in the workforce is one of the most important factors in the success. 

“I see it as a real competitive advantage for us, because most people, even people globally, think of Kentucky as fairly homogeneous. And when you can have the great cost of doing business, the great location we have and then have the diversity that you can enjoy in the community. It’s really great. And it’s obviously come together to create a winning recipe for us,” said Bunch. 

There are currently 22 international manufacturing companies representing nine different countries. And community leaders say they expect manufacturing to continue to grow and bring new jobs to Bowling Green.