Economic Development: December 2012
More Jobs: Carter’s children’s clothing company is bringing another 200 jobs to Georgia. The company is closing its Connecticut office and moving the mostly financial, store operations and IT positions to Atlanta.
Blockbuster Growth: Georgia’s burgeoning film industry shows no signs of slowing down. In the 2012 fiscal year, 333 films, TV shows, commercials and music videos were shot across the state, according to the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office. Production companies have spent $880 million in Georgia to produce these projects, up by $200 million over last year, and the industry has a $3.1 billion economic impact on the state.
Shopping in Pooler: A $200-million luxury outlet mall is coming to Pooler. The Outlet Mall of Georgia will break ground next spring. The 560,000-square-foot project will create 2,000 construction jobs and, when fully open, another 1,500-2,000 retail jobs.
Flying Forward: Villa Rica-based International Component Repair is partnering with IHI Corporation of Japan on a $10-million venture to manufacture fuel diverter valves, engine overhauls and other aviation parts, bringing 25 new jobs to west Georgia.
Bite-sized Move: Krystal’s is moving its headquarters from Chattanooga to Atlanta in early 2013. The move follows the burger company’s acquisition by Atlanta-based private investment firm Argonne Capital Group in March.
Good Sport: Sports Challenge Network LLC is moving its headquarters to Gwinnett County, representing a $5-million investment. The recreational sports mobile technology company’s move will create 25 jobs, with 25 more over the next three years.
Kennesaw Jobs: Customer management provid-er Alorica is hiring 600 seasonal workers at its customer service center in Kennesaw.
Drawing Success: Bento Box is opening an animation studio in Atlanta. The California-based company hopes to employ 200 at the new studio within three years. The studio’s decision to open an office in Atlanta is partly a result of Georgia’s growing TV and film production industry.
Frozen Goods: Gulf States Cold Storage, which specializes in frozen poultry, is retrofitting a Pooler warehouse as a refrigerated distribution center. The facility will employ 50 to 60 people.
Coastal Fun: A 575-acre entertainment resort is in the works in Kingsland along I-95. The $100-million complex would employ 800 people and include a hotel and conference center and a family-oriented entertainment and adventure park with 14 venues such as a bowling center, zip line and water park.
