Speaking during a daily press briefing Thursday, Beshear said the mill equipment builder intends to open the shop in a building at the mill by late next year. 

“This area has been hit hard. We’ve seen closings of a number of plants. This project, actually in one of those former plants, is an exciting new opportunity that shows that there is not just hope, but there is a future reality with new and good jobs,” Beshear said.
Kentucky state Sen. Robin L. Webb said the development is certainly good news for the Ashland region. 

“Our highly skilled and highly experienced workforce stands ready to fill these positions immediately and not miss a beat,” she said. 

A formal announcement is expected next week.