A worker was killed early Wednesday at a Madison County advanced automotive manufacturer.
Astemo Americas had just announced an expansion of its Berea operations.
Madison County Deputy Coroner Carlos Coyle identified the worker as 33-year-old Bradley Clouse of Richmond.
According to Berea Police Sgt. Barry Manley, Clouse was a maintenance worker and was on a machine at the plant when it failed.
“Out of the 10 years I’ve been here, this is the first time I’ve heard about anything like this happening,” Manley said.
Coyle described Clouse’s death as an “industrial accident.” He said the body was taken to Frankfort for an autopsy.
Hiromi Mizuno, corporate communications manager for Astemo Americas, based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, said workers were sent home Wednesday morning and operations were suspended Wednesday and Thursday.
"Our immediate and absolute priority is to support his family and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time, while working to understand the root cause of the accident," Mizuno said. "The safety of our employees is our top priority."
Mizuno added, "Managers are actively engaging with employees, providing support, answering questions, and ensuring that colleagues have the resources they need to navigate this difficult period."
The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance is investigating. It can take six months to complete an investigation, according to the agency.
Mizuno said the company is cooperating.
A $112 million expansion of Astemo’s Berea operations Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday will add more than 100 jobs. Astemo has about 2,100 workers between its operations in Berea and Harrodsburg.
