Top Business Stories in Louisville, 2025

In 2025, Louisville witnessed significant shifts in its economic landscape, marked by business closures, expansions, and strategic relocations. This article explores the top business stories that defined the year in the Louisville area.

Brown-Forman Restructures and Sells Cooperage

At the beginning of the year, Louisville-based Brown-Forman announced a major corporate restructuring. This plan resulted in a significant workforce reduction, impacting 12% of its global staff, totaling around 5,400 employees. Notably, the company closed its barrel-making operation in Louisville in April, which had employed 210 workers and produced approximately 2,000 barrels daily. The closure was projected to save Brown-Forman between $70 million to $80 million annually.

The cooperage’s sale to Independent Stave Co. for $13.66 million finalized on May 1, with no plans to reopen the facility. Brown-Forman, known for brands like Old Forester and Jack Daniel’s, emphasized its commitment to adapt in a rapidly changing market. With a rich history in Louisville spanning 155 years, the company continues to play a vital role in the local economy.

Layoffs at Kentucky Battery Plant

BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and South Korea’s SK On, faced significant challenges in December when it announced the layoff of 1,600 workers at its battery manufacturing plant in Glendale. This decision came as Ford reevaluated its electric vehicle (EV) strategy amidst slower-than-expected consumer demand and escalating production costs. Despite these setbacks, Ford has plans for future hiring, aiming to bring back workers once the facility is retooled.

Humana’s Headquarters for Sale

In February, Humana, Kentucky’s sole Fortune 500 company, revealed plans to list its iconic 27-story headquarters in downtown Louisville for sale. This move followed a shift towards hybrid and remote work models, leading the company to vacate the building. The landmark was designed by the acclaimed architect Michael Graves and has been a cornerstone of Humana’s identity in the city. Reports indicate that local developer Poe Cos. is eyeing the site for a 1,000-room hotel, which could revitalize this important downtown area.

Yum! Brands Moves to Texas

In another major corporate transition, Yum! Brands announced in February its decision to relocate its KFC headquarters from Louisville to Plano, Texas. The move will consolidate operations with the Pizza Hut brand and affect approximately 100 corporate jobs. Yum! remains committed to maintaining a presence in Louisville, with offices for Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill staying in California.

Wawa Expands into the Louisville Area

The beloved East Coast convenience store Wawa made a splash in Louisville by opening its first store in the area in July. The chain is known for its quality food offerings, including hoagies and coffee. Following its debut, Wawa announced plans for several more locations in the Kentuckiana region, indicating strong demand for its unique brand of service.

Mid City Mall Redevelopment

The potential redevelopment of Mid City Mall captured attention this summer as proposals emerged to revamp the site, located on Bardstown Road. Plans included constructing a grocery store and multiple standalone retail buildings, aiming to rejuvenate the area and restore its place as a community hub. This redevelopment has sparked interest and debate among local residents and stakeholders alike.

Opening of Kentucky’s First Medical Cannabis Dispensary

In a significant cultural shift, Kentucky’s first licensed medical cannabis dispensary, The Post, opened in December. Although it faced immediate challenges, such as selling out of inventory shortly after opening, this event marked a historic milestone for the state. The dispensary is expected to play a crucial role in providing previously unavailable medical options for patients across Kentucky.

Apple’s Major Investment in Manufacturing

In September, Apple announced a transformative $2.5 billion investment to shift production of its iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass to Harrodsburg, Kentucky. This boost will not only increase manufacturing capabilities but also expand local jobs by 50%, underscoring Apple’s commitment to American production while impacting the Harrodsburg economy positively.

GE’s Investment in Domestic Production

General Electric (GE) also made headlines with its announcement to invest over $3 billion in expanding domestic production. The initiative aims to relocate manufacturing of appliances back to the U.S. from overseas, including refrigerators and water heaters. This investment will create more than 1,000 jobs, further solidifying Louisville’s standing as a manufacturing hub in the region.

Toyota’s Hybrid Production Expansion

Toyota disclosed plans to invest $912 million in its U.S. manufacturing facilities, focusing on increasing hybrid vehicle production. This investment will create 252 new jobs across several plants, with a significant portion aimed at its Georgetown, Kentucky facility. This expansion is part of Toyota’s strategy to respond to growing consumer demand for hybrid models.

These stories illustrate a dynamic year for Louisville’s business landscape, reflecting both challenges and opportunities. The city’s economy continues to evolve, driven by corporate strategy shifts, new investments, and innovative developments.