Artisans Inc., a custom apparel manufacturer, celebrated the grand opening of its new $8.4 million manufacturing facility in Lexington, Kentucky, on August 5, 2026, a project expected to create 55 new jobs for Kentuckians. First Lady Britainy Beshear joined local officials and company leadership to mark the occasion, highlighting the company's commitment to the state.
Governor Andy Beshear said, "Today’s grand opening is another big win for our commonwealth’s robust manufacturing sector. This project is bringing great new job opportunities for Kentuckians in the Lexington region." First Lady Beshear added, "Family-owned and -grown businesses are an important part of our commonwealth, and I know this team will be welcomed with open-arms as they make Lexington their new home."
The company, founded in 1963 in rural Wisconsin, decided in early 2025 to close its Wisconsin facility and consolidate operations in Lexington. Artisans Inc. is now fully operational on Mercer Road, producing decorated apparel for resorts, colleges, schools, and retail shops nationwide. Kyle Foster, president and CEO of Artisans, said, "As a 100% employee-owned company, this investment in Lexington is an investment in our employee-owners and in the future of our business."
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton welcomed the company, stating, "We are excited to welcome Artisans Inc. to Lexington and to celebrate the opportunities this investment will create for our community." Nick Nicholson, Commerce Lexington’s 2026 Board Chair, noted that manufacturing is a strategic target for the organization, and this facility strengthens a key sector of the local economy.
This investment contributes to Kentucky's significant economic growth, which has seen over $50.7 billion in announced investments and more than 70,000 jobs created during Gov. Beshear's administration. The state has also achieved record exports, falling unemployment rates across all counties, and secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies.
To support the project, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved an incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment program and tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. These performance-based agreements offer tax incentives and sales and use tax recoupment based on investment and job targets, alongside workforce service provisions.