Georgia's $26.3B Construction Boom Reinforces Top Business Status

Georgia is experiencing an unprecedented boom in construction, with an impressive $26.3 billion invested in expansions and new developments over the past year. This surge underscores the state's appeal as a premier destination for business growth across numerous industries, including manufacturing, healthcare logistics, energy, and technology.

Former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher once said, “I always thought records were there to be broken.” Georgia appears to be doing just that, earning recognition as the top state for business for the 12th consecutive year by Area Development Magazine, a publication widely followed by corporate site selectors and executives.

The state has reported 423 facility expansions and new locations from July 1 of the previous year, culminating in an investment total surpassing $26.3 billion. Additionally, six companies announced expansions worth $122.9 million in just the past quarter, indicating sustained momentum as the state moves towards 2026.

Manufacturing, Energy and Technology Fuel Expansion

Among the major developments is Underwood Ammo's announcement of a $41 million investment in a new manufacturing and assembly plant at Savannah Portside International Park, Effingham County. This endeavor is set to create 120 jobs and will commence construction in 2026, with operations starting in 2027.

Kevin Underwood, the company's president and founder, views the project as a significant step forward in their manufacturing strategy.

Additionally, Virginia Transformer Corp. plans a $40 million expansion of its existing Effingham County facility, which will bring about 400 new jobs and add 250,000 square feet for manufacturing custom power transformers. Construction is slated for January, as stated by CEO Prabhat Jain.

Technology and Logistics See Continued Growth

Salesforce is expanding its presence in Fulton County with a $15 million investment, aiming to add over 250 jobs by 2028, reinforcing Atlanta's status as a vital tech hub. Tanya Counter, site lead for Salesforce Atlanta, emphasized the city's central role in Salesforce's growth, supporting over 2,000 jobs statewide.

In Columbus, BioTech is investing $12.5 million in expanding facilities at Corporate Ridge Business Park and Columbus East Industrial Park, creating 480 new jobs over four years. CEO Rob Coyle expressed pride in calling Columbus home since 2005, highlighting the expansion as a key chapter in their development.

Advancements in Energy, Sustainability, and Manufacturing

Socomec Group is preparing to build a $10-million facility in Suwanee, specializing in power switching and energy storage technologies. Michele Putignano, Socomec North America's president and CEO, sees Georgia as an ideal location for innovation and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Grupo Vialume is set to invest $4.4 million to expand in Colquitt-Miller County, generating 150 new jobs. This facility will focus on manufacturing plastic raised pavement markers and recycling previously unrecyclable materials. CEO João Paulo Moura cited attractive tax incentives and a stable market as factors influencing their decision to expand in Georgia.

Upgrades to existing facilities for this project are anticipated to be finished by 2026.

Originally reported by Grant Cameron in Construct Connect.