Economic Development Around the State

In Sight: Eyewear company Luxottica Group is expanding its North American distribution center in McDonough, adding 1,000 jobs by the end of this year.

Vroom: Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is investing $100 million to add a new product line to its Tallapoosa facility, the world’s first 10-speed automatic transmission for front-drive vehicles.

Toccoa Expansion: ASI Southeast Co., a manufacturer of washroom accessories, toilet partitions and lockers, has invested $16 million into a new 140,000-square-foot facility in Stephens County. The company’s fourth major expansion in 12 years will create 50 jobs.

Quitman Chickens: Broiler breeding company Aviagen is investing $18 million into a new 65,000-square-foot hatchery in Brooks County, creating 100 jobs. It will be the company’s second in Georgia.

Corporate Move: Claims management solutions firm Crawford & Co. has moved its corporate headquarters to Peachtree Corners. The move is a $15-million capital investment that will bring 500 jobs to the area over the next three years.

Douglas Growth: Premium Peanut is spending $14 million to start producing peanut oil at its shelling facility in Coffee County. The expansion, along with plans to ramp up its shelling operations to seven days per week, would add 80 jobs by the end of this year.

More Peanuts: China-based peanut production and exporting company Farmax Merchandise is investing $5 million into a new peanut oil processing facility in Crisp County, adding 20 jobs to the region.

Ramping Up: Southeast Toyota Distributors is investing $30 million into a 330,000-square-foot vehicle-processing center in Jackson County.