Economic Development: August 2014
Drink Up: Keurig Green Mountain is opening a manufacturing facility in Douglas County, creating 550 jobs and representing a $337-million investment over the next five years. The 585,000-square-foot facility will produce drink pods for the company’s new in-home cold beverage system.
Big Site: The Kroger Co. is opening a 1-million-square-foot distribution center in Forest Park on 253 acres of the former Fort Gillem U.S. Army base. The $175-million center will create 120 new jobs over the next five years.
Troup Co. Auto: Hanil E Hwa Interior Systems Georgia Inc. is expanding in LaGrange. The $5.5-million investment will create 80 jobs over the next two years. The auto parts manufacturer set up shop in Georgia in 2010 and supplies parts to the nearby Kia facility.
Bartow Expansion: Surya is expanding its corporate office and distribution center in Cartersville. The India-based textile company’s $30-million expansion will retain 250 jobs and create 200 more.
Morrow Move: Chime Solutions Inc. is opening a 65,000-square-foot call center in the former JCPenney building in Morrow’s Southlake Mall. The firm, which specializes in contractor staffing and contact center services, will create more than 1,120 jobs.
Cooking Pros: AMF BakeTech, a manufacturer of ovens, conveyor systems and other industrial bakery equipment, is consolidating its three Atlanta facilities into a new 63,000-square-foot location in Tucker. The $4-million project will add 65 new jobs.
Augusta Growth: Sitel is adding 200 positions at its Augusta call center, bringing its local workforce to 1,000. The Nashville, Tenn.-based company has operated a location in Augusta since 1999.
Savannah Expansion: Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, formerly Intercat Savannah, is expanding its Chatham County location by 18,000 square feet and adding up to 30 new scientists. The company manufactures and sells specialty additives and addition systems to the petroleum refining industry.
HQ to Atlanta: BMC is relocating its headquarters from Boise, Idaho, to Atlanta. The building materials and construction company will move 150 jobs to the area over the next two years.
Hall Co. Treats: Big Creek Foods is opening a 20,000-square-foot facility in Gainesville. The pet treat processor will add 25 jobs, with plans to double that number within three years.
Wireless Grows: KORE Telematics is expanding in Alpharetta. The wireless connectivity services provider will double in size and add 10 employees.
Intown Move: AT&T is moving 200 jobs with its new Cricket Wireless subsidiary from Alpharetta to the city of Atlanta as well as adding several hundred more over the next year.
