Governor Andy Beshear announced a supply chain initiative to help manufacturers reduce costs. “One of the first steps in this initiative is the launch of CONNEX Kentucky, a new online platform that provides a searchable supply chain database for manufacturers throughout the state. On the site, Kentucky manufacturers can connect with 140,000 manufacturers locally and nationally. This is a tool where we’re going to be able to get online and say I need X or I need Y. We’ve been having challenges. Here are all the Kentucky suppliers,” said Governor Andy Beshear. On hand for the announcement was Johnny Jacobs, General Manager at Nucor Steel Brandenburg. “Our state leaders have clearly recognized that manufacturing provides great careers to the men and women of the state and is critical to the overall economy. The vision of our state leadership to support manufacturing and to recognize the value of building out the full supply chain is having a multiplier effect and will deliver value for many generations to come, ” said Jacobs. Kentucky is home to over 5,000 manufacturing facilities with approximately 250,000 employees and ranks among the leading manufacturing states nationally.