Economic Development Around the State
Accouncements from Savannah, Lithia Springs, Douglasville, and beyond
Savannah Auto Parts: Global auto parts manufacturer PHA is building a $67 million facility in Chatham County. The Tier 1 supplier will make door modules, tailgate latches and hood latches for the nearby Hyundai Metaplant in Bryan County when it starts operations in 2024, creating 402 new jobs.
Lithia Springs Jobs: Members-only retail chain Sam’s Club is investing $142 million to create a new fulfillment center in Douglas County, creating 600 new jobs.
Douglasville Studios: A new film and TV complex is being built in Douglas County. The movie studio Lionsgate will be the lead tenant for the 40-acre, $160 million Great Point Studios, which will feature 11 sound stages, the first of which will open late this year. Great Point Studios will be part of a $350 million mixed-use development.
Battery Recycling: Massachusetts-based Ascend Elements recently celebrated its grand opening in Covington. The 150,000-square-foot lithium-ion battery recycling facility can shred 30,000 metric tons of used batteries and scrap per year. With 100 employees, it’s the largest lithium-ion battery recycling plant in North America.
Solar Support: Sustainable technology material manufacturer Hanwha Advanced Materials Geor- gia (HAGA) is investing $147 million to build a manufacturing facility in Cartersville. The project – the only facility in the U.S. to make encapsulant film used in solar cells for long-term durability – will support the nearby Qcells solar panel facility and create more than 160 new jobs. The facility should be operational next summer.
Columbus Pediatrics: Piedmont Columbus Regional will open a new Children’s Hospital in 2024 in the former Doctors Hospital. The nearly $30 million Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital will feature 30 beds, isolation and behavioral safe rooms, and pediatric intensive and intermediate care units across five floors.
Sumter County Ag: Organic farming operation Americus Fresh will invest $56 million in a new 338-square-foot enclosed growing facility, creating 84 jobs.
