A truck parts manufacturer has promised $17 million in investment to bring dozens of new jobs to Floyd County.
Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co., a family-owned trucking equipment manufacturer, will expand its operation. The investment is estimated at $17 million and expected to bring in 65 new jobs.
The move should increase output from R/S-Godwin, and expanding will require the company to purchase more land, construct buildings and buy machinery. The new jobs will be in skilled labor fields such as welding, fabrication, material handling and more, the state said in an economic development news release.
“From Owsley County to Floyd County, we are celebrating some great wins for Eastern Kentucky that we create more opportunities for the hardworking families who call this region home,” Beshear stated in the release.
The R-S-Godwin announcement follows a promise of $1.47 million investment to create 60 jobs in nearby Owsley County at a distribution facility.
Beshear has touted the investments made while he’s been in office are the highest of any Kentucky governor, totaling more than $54 billion and 71,000 jobs.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, there are more than 11,000 people in Floyd County working or looking for work. The unemployment rate in 2025 was around 6%. The county is home to more than 34,000 people, and about 43% are in the labor force.
R/S-Godwin is part of the larger Godwin Group, a truck equipment manufacturer, which makes things like dump truck bodies and hoists.
“Thanks to R/S-Godwin Truck Body Co. for choosing to continue to invest in Floyd County,” Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams stated, in part. “Our county is a great place to grow a business, from mom-and-pop shops to manufacturing.”
In exchange for the investment, R/S Godwin will get more than $2 million in tax breaks for maintaining the 65 jobs. The terms have the positions paid $35 an hour with benefits for 15 years.
Williams and R/S Godwin Truck Body Co. CEO Ryan Taylor did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.
