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our accounts are in the best position in history, so we are giving back to the taxpayers. That is how government should work.”
Kemp also noted that during his term in office, Georgia experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state’s history.
When asked about the Governor’s focus on industrial growth and economic development throughout the state, Kemp pointed out that 74% of the $11 billion invested in the state by companies was focused outside of the Metropolitan Atlanta counties. He also said 89% of counties with a population of less than 50,000 people, have received help from the Governor with economic development.
Industrial development outside of the metro Atlanta area includes the location of the new Rivian Automotive Plant in Morgan County, announced in December 2021, which is the single largest economic development in Georgia History. This $5 billion plant will create 7,500 jobs at its 2,000 acre site. This project was a joint effort by the Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton County Development Authorities.
The SK Battery Plant, a $2.2 billion development, began in 2019 and will place 2,600 jobs in Henry County. Savannah landed an expansion of Amazon Distribution, which created 1,000 jobs, and an electronics recycling facility at a cost of $85 million, which added 150 jobs. Purple Mattress expanded its operation, and opened 500 new jobs in Henry County. Freshly Food Delivery expanded in Clayton County with a $52 million investment. CISCO expanded its operation to the tune of $41 million in Midtown Atlanta.
The Governor’s Office announced on March 10 a $260 million expansion of the PepsiCo manufacturing plant in Dekalb County, creating 136 additional fulltime jobs.
Closer to home, Aspen Aerogel Manufacturing, a technology leader in aerogel-based sustainability and electrification solutions, will construct a $325 million facility in Bulloch County, and will create over 250 advanced manufacturing jobs. Dodge County is also seeing economic growth, as SoPoly Recycled Outdoor Furniture is investing $5 million into the expansion of its facility in the county, creating 200 new jobs. When asked what plans were in the works to locate industries in Vidalia and the surrounding counties, Kemp stated there are no current plans for doing so.
