MI2 Metals Executive Roundtable with Gov. Beshear

Last week, MI2 hosted a high-impact Metals Executive Roundtable in Frankfort that brought together 20 top executives from Kentucky’s metals sector. These professionals met alongside Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Cabinet Secretaries Jeff Noel, Jamie Link, and Rebecca Goodman with discussions underscoring just how critical Kentucky’s metals industry is to the state and to the nation.

At the center of the conversation? A preview of early findings from MI2’s upcoming economic impact study, which paints a compelling picture of an industry not only thriving—but leading.

Kentucky’s metals industry contributes nearly $38 billion in annual output and directly employs more than 36,000 Kentuckians. In total, the sector supports an estimated 96,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. That demonstrates the strength and importance of Kentucky's metals sector.

What’s more: Kentucky now leads the nation in primary metals job growth, a centralization of this critical supply chain in our region alongside an overall national decline over the past decade. For every Kentucky job created in metals, another 2 to 5 jobs are supported across industries like transportation, logistics, and professional services.

"Strengthening our metals sector has been a priority for Team Kentucky, and the industry continues to thrive, thanks to the support of the Metals Innovation Initiative and partners statewide coming together to drive the sector forward,” said Governor Andy Beshear.

The roundtable was a true public-private partnership in action. Leaders reviewed MI2’s current and upcoming initiatives focused on strengthening talent pipelines, expanding metals recycling, growing the in-state supply chain, and addressing the industry’s long-term energy needs.

This kind of strategic collaboration is what MI2 was built for.

“Kentucky’s metals manufacturing outperforms the nation, delivering high-wage jobs, strong regional economic growth, and critical support for the national supply chain,” said Mike Buckentin, MI2’s CEO.

The event also generated strong buzz outside the room. Coverage in The Lane Report and Recycling Today amplified the industry’s story, and the Governor’s Office and Cabinet for Economic Development shared updates across social media extending the reach even further.

With a clear data story and bold leadership across sectors, MI2 is looking ahead with momentum.

The full economic impact study, developed in partnership with the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics, is set for release this fall. But the work is already underway.

MI2 will continue convening leaders, elevating innovation, and driving solutions that support Kentucky’s metals industry as a national model for growth, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration.