Marquette Transportation Expands in Paducah with $5M Investment & 55 New Jobs

February 27, 2025

Greater Paducah Economic Development is pleased to announce that Marquette Transportation Company, LLC is expanding its operations in Commerce Park, which is located in Paducah, McCracken County, KY.  Marquette Transportation is one of the nation’s largest marine transportation companies and region’s largest employers providing barge towing services on over 6,000 miles of America’s inland waterways in support of its customer partners.  Marquette will be investing over $5 million into an existing facility and a new training facility to accommodate the company’s expansion.  This expansion could create up to 55 additional new jobs, including both shoreside and vessel positions, which is anticipated to have a recurring community economic impact of $18.3 million per year.  

The additional investment underscores Marquette’s commitment to workforce development. The new training facility will enhance Marquette’s ability to provide specialized workforce training, ensuring employees are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry.  “This additional investment and commitment to grow in our community strengthen Paducah’s presence in the maritime industry even more.  We are very excited and grateful for Marquette’s decision to expand operations here in Paducah,” stated Bruce Wilcox, President of Greater Paducah Economic Development.  

Damon Judd, President and CEO of Marquette Transportation Company, added “We are proud to be headquartered in Paducah, KY and we appreciate the Governor, the State of Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for their dedication to fostering business growth across the Commonwealth. The potential incentives from KEDFA will help us continue our investments in training and supporting our people – our most important asset. We appreciate the support from Mayor Bray, Judge Executive Clymer and Mr. Wilcox of our industry and for Marquette’s expansion project. Paducah plays a central role to America’s inland waterway industry and we are thankful that we are able to offer hardworking Kentuckians a rewarding career with great advancement opportunities in the marine transportation industry.”

Paducah City Mayor George Bray stated “Marquette Transportation is a leader in the river industry that is critically important to the Paducah community.  Marquette’s investment in a new training facility and the additional jobs are an affirmation that Paducah continues to be the epicenter of the inland waterways corridor.  We look forward to supporting Marquette as they continue their growth and leadership in this industry.” 

McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer noted “Marquette Transportation is one of our longstanding local companies and one of the reasons Paducah, McCracken County is known as the “Inland Waterway Capital of the United States.”  It is very exciting to bring new business, but it’s especially rewarding to see our long-standing locally based businesses expanding with even more employees at strong wage levels.  Marquette and the Eckstein family have for decades been enormous contributors to our community, and their selfless generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Read More About This Expansion:

Official Announcement from the Governor’s Office here.

Learn More About Marquette Transportation Holdings here.