Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted new growth in Kentucky’s booming manufacturing sector as Niagara Bottling, a manufacturer of bottled water and soft drinks, announced plans to locate a new $129.8 million production facility in Elsmere and create 60 new full-time jobs in the area.
“Niagara Bottling is a new and welcome addition to our manufacturing sector, and the company’s commitment to growth will further strengthen Kentucky’s economy for years to come,” said Beshear. “I want to thank Niagara’s leadership and look forward to seeing their success here in the Commonwealth.”
Niagara Bottling will begin construction of its Elsmere facility in early 2025 at the C5 Airport East Logistics Center. The 52-acre site was developed by CORE5 Industrial Partners and supported by state and local officials. The new facility will include 436,800 square feet of advanced manufacturing space, including beverage production and distribution operations. The facility’s managerial team is anticipated to be in place by Q3 of 2025, followed by employee hiring activities in early 2026.
In 2022, the General Assembly and Gov. Beshear approved a $13 million site development and acquisition fund in Kenton County, $669,000 of which recently supported the project with the installation of power transmission lines.
“We are very excited to establish our newest manufacturing facility in Kenton County in the city of Elsmere, Kentucky,” said Brian Hess, executive vice president at Niagara Bottling. “Niagara Bottling is committed to supporting our local communities, providing our team members with opportunities for career advancement and utilizing sustainable business practices. We are a leader in the areas of manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and logistics. Having established strong business and community relationships throughout our numerous plant locations, we look forward to making a positive, lasting impact in Northern Kentucky.”
Niagara Bottling, headquartered in Diamond Bar, California, is a family-owned and operated company that was founded in 1963, when Andrew Peykoff Sr. started bottling high-quality, low-cost water in five-gallon glass containers for home and office delivery. Niagara has since grown into a leading beverage manufacturer that works closely with some of the largest beverage brands, retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. The company produces a variety of beverages, including bottled water, sparkling, vitamin and flavored water, sports drinks, ready-to-drink tea and coffee and protein drinks.
Sen. Chris McDaniel shared his enthusiasm for Niagara Bottling’s location: “I am proud of the efforts we are making and the results that we are seeing in Kenton County. Niagara Bottling’s location here promises to continue to build on the momentum that we are experiencing, and we are proud to welcome them.”
“Niagara Bottling has many of the attributes we look for when recruiting companies to Kenton County, from creating well-paying jobs for our residents to making an investment that plants real roots in our community,” said Judge-Executive Kris Knockelmann.
Elsmere Mayor Marty Lenhof thanked Niagara Bottling leaders for locating their newest facility in the city: “We appreciate Niagara Bottling choosing Elsmere for this significant investment and creating high-quality career opportunities in our city. We’re proud to support the project and appreciate the development opportunities that Core5 Industrial Partners has brought to our community.”
BE NKY Growth Partnership CEO Lee Crume welcomed Niagara Bottling to Northern Kentucky: “The Cincinnati region has a strong legacy in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. We are excited to have Niagara Bottling join our high-growth sector. Our geographic location is an asset to consumer product goods companies who can reach more than 50 percent of the U.S. population within a day’s drive.”
Niagara Bottling’s investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.
