EXPANSION
OPPORTUNITIES
GEORGIA:
Diverse Economy Helps Create 10,000+ Jobs
D
uring the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, more than 10,000 jobs were created across all regions of the State of Georgia through its economic development efforts, an 85% increase in new investments compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.
................................................................................... From food processing and manufacturing to logistics and technology, jobs were generated in nearly every industry and for a variety of skill levels. Named the “Top State for Doing Business” for a recordbreaking seven years in a row, Georgia’s economic strength comes from its diversity. Assets including the longtime busiest and most efficient airport in the world, the No. 1 port in the nation for U.S. exports – which also helped the state secure its No. 1 ranking for Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness – along with the state’s top-ranked workforce training programs, have helped support this diversity and keep Georgia’s economy on the right track despite challenges presented by COVID-19. Between March 1 and September 30, the Georgia Department of Economic Development assisted in locating 176 new economic development projects, creating 19,345 jobs and $6.48 billion in investment. Even while facing a global pandemic, jobs and investment numbers in Georgia have
increased when compared to the same time period last year. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp made several major announcements during this time, including that SK Innovation, Korean multinational developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, will invest another $940 million to expand their manufacturing plant in Commerce. This project comes in addition to the company’s $1.67 billion investment in developing two manufacturing facilities in the state, which will deliver 2,000 jobs to Jackson County. By strategically working to attract the entire supply chain for electric vehicles, the state continues to emerge as a leader within this sector. In July, Governor Kemp also shared that German automotive parts manufacturer GEDIA Automotive Group will build an advanced manufacturing facility that will make electric vehicle parts in in Whitfield County, generating $85 million in investment and 200 jobs. Other highlights from this time period include Papa John’s selecting metro Atlanta as a new global headquarters, The Home Depot announcing its plans to open three new warehousing facilities to support their Southeast supply chain operations, HelloFresh locating their Southeastern U.S. distribution facility in Newnan, Frito-Lay continuing to expand in Perry and many more. By leveraging the state’s strong and diverse economic framework, Georgia continues to create jobs and stimulate growth. X bxjmag.com
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