James Composites to spend $5.8 million on new Kentucky factory

James Composites LLC, in a joint release with the Kentucky governor’s office, announced February 9 that it would spend $5.8 million to build a new factory in Calvert City, Kentucky, and hire 25 for jobs in fiberglass barge cover production. Construction on the site is expected to finish by November and operations are predicted to start early next year.

According to the joint release, the location will give James Composites direct access to the Tennessee River. Owned by James Marine Inc., James Composites was founded in 2025 to manufacture fiberglass covers for inland river barges. James Marines’ other businesses include towboat and barge repairs, construction, and painting; dry dock construction and painting; supplies; fueling; and harbor and fleet services.

What people are saying

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to start our fiberglass barge cover manufacturing operations in Calvert City, Kentucky,” said Jeff James, managing member of James Composites and president/CEO of James Marine.  “This new business will allow us to create high-quality jobs here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and provide an additional supply option for a vital product to the inland waterways barge market that we serve. We are appreciative of all the state and local government officials and Kentucky Lake Economic Development for their assistance and support for this project, and we are looking forward to the future and getting our operations underway.”

“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry continues to fuel our historic economic momentum, providing quality job opportunities and investment in communities across the entire state,” said Gov. Beshear. “James Composites is creating dozens of great jobs for Kentuckians while further strengthening our commonwealth’s industrial base. I want to thank the company’s leadership for their trust and welcome them to their New Kentucky Home.”

“Any time we see an expansion from an existing business, it’s exciting for Calvert City, because it speaks to the strength of our community and the importance of retaining the companies that already believe in this region,” said Calvert City Mayor Gene Colburn. “Investing in homegrown businesses with proven success is a smart bet, and it keeps that momentum building right here at home. Having a company like James Marine invest and expand through James Composites is a strong sign that our location, our workforce and our access to the inland waterways continue to make Calvert City a prime economic driver for Marshall County and Western Kentucky.”

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