Page 36 - FDI Alliance International Magazine Summer 2020 Digital Interactive Issue

■ Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, second from right, meets with GEDIA officials at their headquarters in
Attendorn, Germany. In July of 2020, Governor Kemp announced that GEDIA Automotive Group plans to build an advanced manufacturing facility
in Dalton, Georgia.

STATE OF GEORGIA’S

DIVERSE ECONOMY REMAINS FUNDAMENTALLY STRONG

In 2020, Georgia, USA businesses of all sizes, Between March 14 and August 14, the state across multiple manufacturing sectors, resulting
sectors and regions of the state have been announced 129 new projects, delivering nearly in a GDP of $64.7 billion USD in 2019. The
forced to innovate while economic development 14,000 jobs and nearly $3.5 billion USD in Georgia Department of Labor estimated that
professionals have confronted unexpected investment. Even while facing a global pandemic, there were 385,300 manufacturing jobs in the
challenges from the novel coronavirus. As the jobs and investment numbers increased when state as of June 2020.
state looks ahead, this diverse economic base compared to the same time period last year.
and the fundamentals that have made Georgia On the coast, the Port of Savannah has been
strong continue to provide a source of promise In the mountains of northwest Georgia, investments named the top port for U.S. exports. From
and good news, despite challenges from in the new inland port in Murray County helped January through May of 2020, the port exported
COVID-19. solidify German automotive parts manufacturer more loaded containers than any other port in
GEDIA’s decision to locate their first Southeastern the nation, achieving a 12.2% market share.
Creating jobs and opportunities for Georgians U.S. manufacturing facility for electric vehicle The dominance of Georgia’s ports continues
is at the core of the Georgia Department of parts in Dalton, Georgia. Logistics investments to spur economic growth. In June 2020, Port
Economic Development’s (GDEcD) mission. also helped attract flooring companies including City Logistics announced their $80 million USD
From assisting with locating projects, leveraging CFL, Huali Floors, Novalis Flooring, Mannington expansion in Chatham County.
the state’s international relationships and first- Mills and Try-Con Tufters to either establish or
class logistics network, to providing ground-level expand their presence in the region. Another key part of economic development is
assistance as companies, and particularly small creating an environment that fosters innovation.
businesses, navigate COVID-19 relief options In the capital city, Atlanta, the continued priority In May, Governor Kemp announced that
– GDEcD is committed to helping Georgia placed on education programs in software and tech biotechnology company RWDC Industries will
companies succeed. industries has caught the attention of tech-based invest $260 million in expanding its operations
companies large and small. Since May alone, into Athens-Clarke County, bringing 200 jobs
With strong international partnerships, the busiest Microsoft, Zillow, Milletech and Skynamo have to the area. Founded in an innovation lab at the
and most efficient airport in the world, the No. 1 announced plans to build hubs in the Atlanta area. University of Georgia in 2015, RWDC Industries
port in the nation for U.S. exports and unmatched has emerged as a global leader in developing
workforce development programs – to name just Georgia also remains a U.S. leader in advanced cost-effective alternatives to single-use plastics.
a few driving factors of the state’s economy – manufacturing, attracting new businesses to its
Georgia’s economic development remains on southern regions. In May, Governor Brian Kemp In addition, the state’s international partnerships
the right track. announced that A-1 Roof Trusses, a leading continue to deliver opportunities across Georgia.
manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses, This past spring, Governor Kemp announced that
During July, the first month of fiscal year 2021, plans to invest $17 million USD and create Ireland-based Kerry Group plans to invest $125
Georgia attracted 3,629 jobs and $574 million 130 jobs in a new manufacturing facility in rural million USD in its northwest Georgia expansion,
USD in investment. These jobs and investments Decatur County. bringing more than 100 full-time positions to
were not isolated to one region, business size or Floyd County. More recently, Governor Kemp
industry – it takes all of them for our economy Georgia, which has a population of roughly welcomed mattress and furniture brand Zinus to
to work. 11 million people, demonstrates great strength Georgia at the State Capitol.

36. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL