This article first appeared in the Savannah CEO
Manufacturing Magnet: Why Georgia Tops the Ranks
Victoria Borges
Monday, June 8th, 2015
As a top investor nation in Georgia, Japan continues to advance in the economy, providing countless jobs and resources for citizens of the peach state. Georgia is home to a super cargo transportation network and a qualified workforce that attracts manufacturing super stars, such as Kubota and Kia Motors. These companies take advantage of customized manufacturing assistance programs and extensive tax incentives, transforming Georgia into a hot spot for manufacturing companies around the world.
In particular, Kubota has an extensive history with Georgia, opening its first operation in Norcross over 40 years ago. Since then, Kubota has opened its KTC Southeast Division headquarters in Suwanee, and expanded its operations to include Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation (KMA) in Gainesville, along with the National Distribution Center and Kubota Industrial Equipment, both located in Jefferson.
“Georgia’s longstanding business relationship with Japan is enhanced when companies such as Kubota choose to expand here,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “Not only has Kubota become a flagship for other Japanese companies to locate to Georgia, but they continue to invest in our thriving manufacturing sector, utilizing our solid logistics infrastructure and creating quality jobs for our well-trained workforce.”
Recently, Kubota Tractor Corporation announced plans to increase the production capacityby expanding its existing operations in Gainesville as well as building a new manufacturing plant. The expansion is expected to increase the production of small tractors, lawn mowers and utility vehicles by sixty percent over the next 5 years.
The construction of the new facility in Gainesville is set to break ground in September, with plans to begin mass production in spring of 2017. The new plant will manufacture Kubota’s RTV series utility vehicles, a popular “work horse” performance vehicle. The plant is expected to produce 50,000 units per year.
The new plant will be located three miles from the existing site, sitting on 180 acres at Gateway Industrial Centre in Hall County. At an estimated 502,000 square feet, the new facility will create 650 new jobs in addition to the current roster of over 2,100 employees.
Manufacturing continues to be one of Georgia’s most successful industries, with resources such as Quick Start, which provides customized training at no cost. The Southeastern Automotive Corridor is home to many manufacturers, all of which have benefited from programs and incentives offered through the state of Georgia. Because of the world-class transportation network, including the busiest airport in the world, two Class 1 railroad facilities, and the fastest-growing and 4th-largest port system, Georgia provides resources and encourages manufacturers to call Georgia their home.
This article first appeared in the Savannah CEO
