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The State of Georgia is in the middle of a building boom, driven mainly by construction of new plants, massive expansions and upgrades to existing facilities and ports, and a large-scale, multi-million-dollar expansion of the network of highways, bridges, and other infrastructure.
The National Statistics Office of Georgia reported recently that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from construction in the Peach State has been rising, and the growth shows no signs of abating.
In recent weeks, four separate projects worth nearly $1 billion have been announced that will create thousands of construction jobs.
Market data firm Statista reports the state’s industry is expected to generate US$40.11 billion in GDP from construction of buildings and $34.55 billion from trade contractors in 2024.
Meanwhile, a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America conducted earlier this year found most contractors were optimistic about raising the dollar value of investments in various types of projects. They also anticipated an increase in their headcount.
Leading off the parade, First Quality Baby Products is investing $418 million to expand its footprint and create 60 new jobs in Macon-Bibb County, Ga., south of Atlanta and near the state’s geographic center.
First Quality has been in Macon since 2008. The expanded facilities will be next to the company’s current location at 2108 Avondale Mill Rd.
The company and its affiliates manufacture baby diapers and hygiene, paper and packaging products for health care, retail, and commercial channels.
Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority chairman Robby Fountain said the organization has worked with First Quality to facilitate its growth and the company’s decision to expand its operations in Macon is testament to the “strength and attractiveness” of the local business environment.
A couple of hours drive to the west, Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, a global name in Asian sauces and condiments, is building a new, $288-million plant in LaGrange, Ga., that will create 267 jobs.
The facility will be located at the Georgia International Business Park in LaGrange. It is the company’s second production base in the United States and will feature intelligent factory solutions, digitalization, product innovation and R&D capabilities, and a consumer engagement center.
Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, said international companies are finding success because of planning like the business park. “Since opening just five years ago, it is now home to more than 41 international companies representing 18 countries.”
Syensqo, meanwhile, a global science leader in materials and chemical solutions, has started construction on a new, $178-million, battery-grade manufacturing facility along Clanton Road in Augusta. The company has an existing facility in Augusta that supports 800 jobs.
The facility will create approximately 100 new full-time manufacturing jobs in Richmond County. Products made at the plant will support Georgia’s growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem and provide material for more than five million EV batteries per year. The sprawling plant will be the largest polyvinylidene fluoride production facility in North America.
German-based Ritz Instrument Transformers is investing $28 million in a new facility at Burke County Industrial Park in Waynesboro, Ga., that will employ 130 people. The company makes instrument transformers for the utility and manufacturing sectors.
“The U.S. electrical grid is undergoing rapid expansion and transformation as the utility industry reacts to and prepares for growth driven by adoption of electric vehicles, new data centers needed to power AI, continued addition of renewable generation, and an increase in the U.S. manufacturing base,” said Ritz USA CEO and general manager Scott Flowers.
The investment marks the single largest to date for the Ritz Group. The availability of a well-trained workforce was a factor in choosing Waynesboro. Operations are expected to begin in late 2025.
Global food and agriculture leader Cargill is establishing a new office hub in Atlanta that will create 400 tech jobs and accelerate the digital transformation for the food and agriculture industries.
Jennifer Hartsock, chief information and digital officer at Cargill, said Atlanta’s rich pool of technical talent was a deciding factor in the company’s choice.
“Employees working at this facility will help create digital solutions that power our global food supply chain, harness analytics and artificial intelligence to open new markets, and drive technical innovation to make our food system more sustainable and accessible,” she said.
In Ellabell, Ga., Hyundai is also at work on a $5.5-billion electric vehicle and battery plant that, once up and running, will employ 8,500 workers.
More than $4.5 billion in infrastructure projects is also planned for Georgia ports and intermodal infrastructure over the next decade. The work will enable the Georgia Ports Authority to double berth capacity and increase yard and rail capacity.
To keep up with all the growth, Georgia is pumping $1.5 billion into transportation infrastructure around to help cities and counties complete key transportation projects and kickstart new strategic projects.
In the months ahead, improvements will be made to roads and bridges. The funding will more than double the state’s funding to cities and counties for transportation infrastructure, increase funding for general aviation airports, resurface more state highways and kickstart new projects.
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