Canadian investment strengthens Appalachian agriculture and jobs

Mastronardi Produce, a Canada-based, family-operated leader in high-tech greenhouse farming, has expanded its U.S. presence by acquiring existing facilities in Kentucky. This investment preserved jobs in central Appalachia, ensuring continued economic stability and food production in the region.

By maintaining greenhouse operations, Mastronardi bolsters food security by reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce. The company’s advanced greenhouse technology, including precision climate control, automated irrigation, and AI-driven crop monitoring, enhances sustainability while improving resource efficiency.

This expansion reinforces the strong economic ties between Canada and the U.S., demonstrating how Canadian investment supports American agriculture, job growth, and sustainable farming innovation. Mastronardi’s leadership in high-tech agriculture sets the benchmark for modern farming, advancing regional food production and supply chain resilience.

Canadian investments strengthens Kentucky’s manufacturing

Canadian E. Hofmann Plastics Inc. is growing its container business and increasing capacity for customers in industrial, D-I-Y, and food sectors in Kentucky. In 2025, it chose Hopkins County for its first U.S. operation. The plastic packaging manufacturer announced a $43 million investment in Madisonville to include a new 100,000 square foot production facility. The new plant, expected to be operational in 2026, will augment existing operations in Ontario, and will feature thermoforming and injection molding capabilities.

This Canadian investment will create 160 new local jobs. This is an example of how Canadian investments and partnerships with Kentucky are vital for local communities, providing well-paying jobs and supporting regional economies.

As easy as ABC

Toronto-based ABC Technologies is a supplier of the plastics systems and components to the automotive industry. In 2004, the company established ABC Automotive Systems in London, Kentucky, and has remained a fixture in the local economy ever since. Over 100 people work at the Tier 1 supplier’s facility located on the vaunted north-south I-75 corridor that connects Canada to Florida. The company is a long-standing part of the thriving Canada–Kentucky auto- making ecosystem.

Kentucky exports $8.4 billion in goods to Canada annually
Kentucky exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 3%
• Chemicals: 6%
• Equipment & machinery: 27%
• Minerals & metals: 6%
• Plastics & rubbers: 6%
• Transportation: 47%
• Other: 5%

Top Kentucky goods exports to Canada

• Trucks: $1.3 billion
• Automobiles: $1.2 billion
• Aircraft & parts: $754 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $621 million
• Engines & turbines: $553 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $437 million
• Computers: $281 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $187 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $134 million
• Telephones & AV recording equipment: $128 million

Kentucky exports $486 million in services to Canada annually
Top Kentucky services exports to Canada

• Travel (including for education): $219 million
• Business services: $68 million
• Transport: $55 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $44 million
• Insurance services: $38 million

Kentucky imports $4.9 billion in goods from Canada annually
Kentucky imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 9%
• Chemicals: 6%
• Equipment & machinery: 23%
• Forest products: 5%
• Minerals & metals: 31%
• Plastics & rubbers: 6%
• Transportation: 12%
• Other: 8%

Top Kentucky goods imports from Canada

• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $1.0 billion
• Engines & turbines: $632 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $528 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $199 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $163 million
• Beverages & alcohol: $123 million
• Paper & paperboard: $93 million
• Pasta, breads & cereal preparations: $93 million
• Rubber & rubber articles: $91 million
• Softwood lumber: $81 million