Floyd, Bryan Counties Secure Economic Development Wins

On a day that the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, and Georgia Economic Development officials spent time recognizing the film industry at the Capitol for the creation of an entire industry that employs thousands of Georgians, Governor Kemp has announced new Economic Development wins across the state.

Kerry Group will be investing $125 million into their Rome Georgia operations, doubling their current capacity and adding 100 new jobs. Kerry Group is a major food producer, and the expansion will focus on the poultry and seafood operations of the company.

Down in the Savannah area, Medline Industries will invest $70 million to build a new distribution facility in Richmond Hill. This will be new operations in Bryan County for the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, with a facility that will initially employ 150 with hopes to grow to four times that number.

Full press releases for each announcement are as follows:

Kerry Group to Expand in Floyd County, Invest $125 Million

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Kerry Group will expand its operations in Rome, Georgia, investing $125 million, its largest-ever capital expenditure investment. The project will employ more than 400 people during the construction phase and more than 100 new full-time positions when the facility is fully operational.

“Kerry Group has been an excellent employer in Floyd County for some time, providing high-quality jobs to hardworking Georgians in the region,” said Governor Kemp. “As the No. 1 State for Business seven years running, our existing industries are integral to our economic success. I am thrilled that a global industry leader like Kerry Group is doubling down on its investment in Georgia and further strengthening our state’s relationship with Ireland.”

Headquartered in Ireland, Kerry Group is a leader in the global food industry and employs more than 25,000 people worldwide. Construction on the Floyd County project will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by early 2021 to more than double the production capacity of the existing site within the same footprint.

“North America is our largest market, and as such it is fitting that it is here that we announce our largest ever capital expenditure investment,” said Gerry Behan, CEO of Kerry Taste & Nutrition, North America. “This new Georgia facility will be one of the most advanced and modern food manufacturing facilities in the world to support our customers as they produce tasty and nutritious food products, which will be consumed all across the U.S. and Canada. This type of world-class facility allows us to co-create with our customers to produce tasty and nutritious food products that meet changing consumer demand.”

The expansion in Floyd County will help the company meet growing consumer demand in the poultry and seafood markets. Available careers at the facility include management, technician, and operator positions. As part of Kerry’s sustainability agenda, the new facility will be powered by 100% renewable electricity and will have a number of other sustainable initiatives including zero waste to landfill, bulk receiving, and energy efficient equipment.

“It has been great working with the leadership at Kerry Group as they made their decision to choose Rome for their coatings expansion and the new wet cell line,” said Bill Collins, mayor of Rome. “We are fortunate to have a corporate partner like Kerry investing in our community and employing our citizens.”

“Our existing industries remain a strong driver in the creation of capital investment and jobs for Rome and Floyd County,” said Jimmy Byars, chairman of the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority. “We will continue to support them in every way possible.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Manager Taylor Kielty represented the Global Commerce Division on this project in partnership with Georgia Power, Georgia Quick Start, and the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority.

“We want to congratulate Kerry Group whose current expansion in Rome underscores the importance of the state’s relationship with Ireland,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Economic development is based on those relationships. I am grateful to Ireland’s Consular General Shane Stephens and our area economic development partners for making opportunities like these possible.”

The Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta, which opened in 2010, is Ireland’s newest consulate in the United States since the 1930s. Shane Stephens has served as Consul General since July 2015. There are at least 95 Irish companies with 123 facilities operating in Georgia. These companies employ approximately 6,800 Georgians.

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About Kerry Group

Kerry, the Taste & Nutrition company, offers solutions that nourish lives all over the world. From humble beginnings as an Irish dairy co-operative, Kerry has grown into a large international food industry leader, with offices in 32 countries, 151 manufacturing facilities and an employer to over 26,000 people globally, including over 1,000 food scientists. Kerry brings to the table our strong food heritage, coupled with over 40 years of experience, global insights and market knowledge, culinary and applications expertise as well as our unique solutions to anticipate and address our customers’ needs. For more information, visit Kerry.com

Medline Industries, Inc. to Create 150 Jobs, Invest $70 Million in Bryan County

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Bryan County will be home to Georgia’s newest Medline Industries, Inc. location in the state. Medline, the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, will invest over $70 million to build a new distribution center in Richmond Hill that will create 150 new jobs with capacity for more than 600 workers as the company grows.

“We are excited that this innovative, family-owned company chose to expand their operations in Bryan County,” said Governor Kemp. “Georgia’s coast is an ideal location for companies like Medline who are looking for a readily available workforce as well as access to global markets through the Port of Savannah.”

Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, Medline is a healthcare company that manufactures and distributes more than 550,000 products with more than 26,000 employees worldwide. The company currently operates two facilities in Georgia. Its distribution center in McDonough and manufacturing plant in Lithia Springs together employ approximately 800 people.

“When we began looking for a new distribution center location near a deepwater port, the Port of Savannah and the Richmond Hill area quickly rose to the top of the list,” said Bill Abington, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Medline. “Georgia has been a welcoming state to grow our business and attract a best-in-class workforce. We are proud to continue our expansion in the Peach State and be even more connected to our customers in coastal Georgia.”

The new one-million-square-foot facility will be built in Belfast Commerce Park, which is a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site. The expected completion date is 2021. Careers at the facility will primarily focus on supply chain support, warehouse operations – including supervisors and managers – and other branch administration. Individuals who are interested in applying for a position may do so online at: www.medline.com/careers.

“The city of Richmond Hill is pleased to welcome Medline to our community,” said Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter. “The location of Medline’s new state-of-the-art facility along Interstate 95 will allow it to serve as a landmark for our community as the area around the new interchange continues to develop into a vibrant addition to Richmond Hill, and we look forward to the jobs and capital investment that will be created as a result of this project.”

“We are thrilled Medline, an industry leader in medical supplies manufacturing and distribution, will be joining our existing industry base in Bryan County,” said Development Authority of Bryan County Chairman Noah Covington. “Medline’s selection of the Belfast Commerce Park is the result of a team effort, and I want to thank all of our state and local partners, specifically the city of Richmond Hill, Raydient Places + Properties, and Bryan County, for helping make this project become a reality.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Director of Automotive, Aerospace, and Advanced Manufacturing Ashley Varnum represented the Global Commerce division in partnership with the Development Authority of Bryan County, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, and Georgia Ports Authority.

“We are excited that Medline is expanding their footprint in Bryan County,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The GRAD site they chose in Richmond Hill is ideal as it offers Medline access to Interstate 95 and the deepwater Port of Savannah. I am confident Medline will succeed in Bryan County as they expand operations here in Georgia to meet the needs of their customers across the Southeast.”

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About Medline Industries, Inc.

Medline is a healthcare company: manufacturer, distributor, and solutions provider focused on improving the overall operating performance of healthcare. Medline works with both the country’s largest healthcare systems and independent facilities across the continuum of care to provide the clinical and supply chain resources required for long-term financial viability in delivering high quality care. With the size of one of the country’s largest companies and the agility of a family-owned business, Medline is able to invest in its customers for the long-term and rapidly respond with customized solutions. Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, Medline has 26,000+ employees worldwide and does business in more than 90 countries. Learn more about Medline at www.medline.com.