Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and company leaders Monday to break ground on Mizkan America’s $156 million expansion project in Owensboro, a move that will create 44 full-time jobs and significantly grow the company’s local footprint.
The expansion will add approximately 320,000 square feet to the company’s existing facilities, bringing the total to nearly 1 million square feet. The project includes building improvements, new manufacturing lines, upgraded equipment and IT systems, and additional warehouse space.
Mizkan will begin producing several of its other brands — including Holland House cooking wine, Mizkan Asian sauces and vinegars, and Nakano rice vinegar — in Owensboro for the first time.
“The tremendous growth we are seeing within Kentucky’s manufacturing industry has been a crucial component of our surging economy,” Beshear said. “Mizkan America’s decision to reinvest in the commonwealth and our communities shows that our New Kentucky Home is the best place for business. I look forward to the company’s continued success here in Kentucky.”
Mizkan’s Owensboro factory has been in operation for nearly 50 years and currently produces around 1 million jars of pasta sauce daily.
“Our factory in Owensboro has been in business for almost 50 years and currently makes around 1 million jars of pasta sauce every day,” said Koichi Yuki, CEO of Mizkan America. “Our Owensboro team has been a huge contributor to Mizkan America’s growth and success over the years. We really believe that the future for our business is bright in Owensboro, and we feel privileged to be part of this wonderful community.”
The company has also supported numerous local causes, including the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, the Night to Shine prom for individuals with special needs, the GRADSA Buddy Walk, and God’s Outreach. Mizkan’s Ragú brand has also partnered with Lasagna Love, an international charity, to mark National Lasagna Day.
“It is impressive to think about the millions of jars of Ragú pasta sauce made every year in our community and shipped around the country,” said Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen. “We are grateful that Mizkan selected their Owensboro facility for this new project, cementing their long-term presence here. Daviess County is a great place to do business with a talented workforce ready to support further economic growth. Mizkan is one of our top employers, and we look forward to their continued success in our community.”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson echoed those sentiments.
“Mizkan has been an invaluable asset to our community, providing a positive work environment and offering countless opportunities for their dedicated employees to build a future and support their families,” Watson said. “We are incredibly proud to have them as a part of our community.”
Claude Bacon, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., said the groundbreaking represents more than just construction.
“A groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the start of construction, it represents the dedication, vision and hard work that builds on a legacy,” Bacon said. “With this expansion, Mizkan is deepening its roots in Greater Owensboro for decades to come.”
Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a privately held international food manufacturer headquartered in Handa, Japan. The company has more than 200 years of history and is currently operated by the eighth and ninth generations of the Nakano family. Mizkan America, based in Mount Prospect, Illinois, maintains 12 manufacturing facilities and produces brands such as Ragú, Bertolli, Holland House, Nakano and Mizkan.
