AKFA Aluminum Solutions U.S. LLC, a division of the Uzbekistan-based AKFA Group, plans to build a new aluminum extrusion plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. In addition to being AKFA’s first U.S. operation, this also makes them the first Uzbek company to establish a manufacturing operation in the U.S. This is in line with the company’s strategic plans to target the North American architectural and automotive markets.
“This is more than a facility – it is a bridge between two nations,” said Ilhom Abiev, a representative of AKFA Aluminum Solutions US LLC. “We chose Kentucky because it offers everything we value – strategic location, skilled talent and a forward-looking community that believes in innovation. This investment represents not only growth for our company, but a relationship built on trust, technology and shared opportunity.”
AKFA Aluminum Solutions operates the aluminum division of AKFA Group, one of Central Asia’s largest industrial companies with more than 8,000 employees across 20 facilities. AKFA Group produces up to 100,000 tons of product annually, supplying materials for global markets including construction, transportation and renewable energy.
The company’s new facility will serve as a full-cycle production hub, featuring advanced extrusion, anodizing and finishing capabilities aligned with U.S. energy and environmental standards. AKFA’s first U.S. operation will integrate recycled aluminum billets and energy-efficient systems to support a low-carbon supply chain – reinforcing the region’s growing reputation in sustainable, advanced manufacturing.
According to Abiev, AKFA is appointing several highly qualified professionals to run the operations of the new facility, including Sanjar Sayidov as production manager and Denis Ermalaev as technical director.
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) last week preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $5.6 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $80 million and annual targets of creating and maintaining 331 full-time Kentucky-resident jobs.
Furthermore, KEDFA approved AKFA for up to $500,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). In addition, AKFA can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.
“Kentucky’s historic economic momentum has been fueled by our incredible workforce and our ability to attract companies from across the globe,” said Andy Beshear, the Kentucky governor. “This announcement from AKFA Aluminum Solutions introduces a new international partner to the commonwealth and is an important step for U.S. and Uzbekistan trade relations. Even better, it also creates 331 jobs for Kentuckians. I want to thank the company’s leadership for believing in Kentucky for their first U.S. operation and look forward to their future success.”