FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 10, 2012) – Governor Steve Beshear today announced Westport Fuel Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Westport Innovations Inc. (Westport), will establish a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Louisville, creating 40 new jobs. Westport is a global leader in alternative fuel and low-emission transportation technologies.

“The Commonwealth is pleased to welcome Westport’s newest operation and the 40 new jobs it will create to Louisville,” Gov. Beshear said. “Westport has proven itself as a business leader in the alternative fuel field and has partnerships with some of the world's largest engine and vehicle manufacturers, including Ford and the Super Duty Trucks made in Louisville. Like so many other automotive-related companies, I am confident that Westport will find Kentucky to be the perfect place to succeed and prosper.”

Kentucky is currently home to more than 440 automotive-related industries that employ more than 68,000 people. Additionally, Kentucky ranks third highest in auto industry-related employment as a percent of total state employment among the top motor vehicle producing states in the U.S.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Westport is a leading provider of proprietary technology allowing engines to operate on clean-burning gaseous fuels. Westport plans to invest more than $4.5 million and establish a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Louisville for installation of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel systems and fleet operations for the Ford Super Duty trucks.

“The United States is a key market for a wide range of Westport Innovations technologies, and we’re very happy to be establishing new operations, products, jobs, and relationships with our automotive partners in the Louisville area,” said Ian Scott, president of Westport Light Duty.

To encourage the investment and job growth in Louisville, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Westport Fuel Systems for tax incentives up to $750,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

“Westport Fuel Systems’ decision to open a facility illustrates how Kentucky is establishing itself as a center of offering alternative energy sources to power our infrastructure,” said Rep. Bob DeWeese, of Louisville. “Their investment and creation of 40 new jobs represent a boost to our economy and is an example of another business drawn to Louisville because of the continued relationship our city and our Commonwealth enjoy with companies like Ford and the automotive industry as a whole.”

“Louisville is becoming well known as a center of automotive industry and related businesses, and we welcome global leader Westport here, knowing they will find much success,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “It is especially good news that Westport is leading the way in alternative fuel and low-emission technologies that will help reduce our carbon footprint while improving our air quality.”

“The investment made by Westport Fuel Systems represents not only the historic strength this region has in the automotive industry, but the innovation in alternative fuel technologies which will help shape the future of the transportation industry worldwide,” said Eileen Pickett, executive vice president of Greater Louisville Inc. “We are excited about this partnership between Westport and Ford, and we look forward to supporting both companies as they work to develop the next generation of alternative energy vehicles, right here in Louisville.”

For more information on Westport, visit www.westport.com.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ThinkKentucky or follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ThinkKentucky.

A detailed community profile for Louisville (Jefferson County) can be viewed at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=091.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2010 totaled more than $2 billion with the creation of nearly 11,900 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training,incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.