Economic Development Around the State
News in Hall County, Ball Ground, Rome and more.
Ports Activity: The Georgia Ports Authority announced that shipments to the Savannah and Brunswick ports were about 20% lower than last March, but with Chinese manufacturing returning to 85% of normal operation in April an increase is expected. However overall numbers will decline in May and June as much of the world’s production and demand for goods cools.
Hall Co. Distribution: Amazon will open a 1-million-square-foot facility in Buford. The facility will be a delivery station for the online retailer, where products are moved into the last-mile delivery system.
Cherokee Production: CAIRE, a Ball Ground-based manufacturer of oxygen therapy equipment, has ramped up production to help meet increased demand. More than 300 employees are producing the equipment, which is used to administer one of the key supportive medical treatments for those impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
Rome Expansion: Food manufacturer Kerry Group is expanding its operations in Floyd County, investing $125 million into a new facility that will employ more than 100 when it is fully operational in 2021.
Bryan Co. Medical: Medline Industries, which manufactures and distributes medical supplies, is investing $70 million to build a distribution center in Bryan County that will create 150 new jobs, with the capacity to grow to more than 600 workers.
Tucker Bakery: San Francisco-based Sugar Bowl Bakery, one of the leading minority- owned bakeries in the country, is opening its first East Coast facility in Tucker. The $37-million investment will create 400 new jobs over the next five years.
Alpharetta Office: Toyota Financial Services is opening an $8-million office in Alpharetta, bringing 150 new jobs.
