Tumi

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emony at the company’s facility on Mathews Industrial Circle on Monday March 25.

“About 10 years ago, we had an expansion down at the other end of the building and I thought that was it, but here we are again” Tumi Vice President of Operations Richard Lawrence remarked. “We are excited about the potential of the expansion, and we are certainly grateful for the support that this community has given us. We look forward to many many years of partnership.”

The project will be completed by J & P Sons Construction, and Project Manager Heath Pittman shared his excitement for the company to be working in its hometown. “When we first started with this project, the thing that I noticed was how many employees here at Tumi have been here for several years, which speaks to the comfort level of what they see at their job on a daily basis. We all know at our jobs, we spend more time day-to-day with our coworkers than we do with our families. Mr. Richard is known very well throughout his workplace as being a very fair man, very understanding, and he puts his support behind his employees,” Pittman added, “One of their main emphases [Tumi had] was if there was any way possible, to invest in local companies. When you’re able to do work here at home that creates jobs for people, that means our families have security.”

Department of Economic Development Project Manager Andrea Taylor also spoke at the event. “On behalf of the state and on behalf of Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp, we want to say thank you to Vidalia, Toombs County, and Tumi for your continued expansion and growth. It is a very good day when we get to come to rural Georgia and announce an expansion and growth of jobs.”

Several local dignitaries were in attendance at the meeting, and addressed Tumi’s role in the community and the potential the expansion has to impact the area. “This is something very special to our area,” Toombs County Development Authority member Trent Williams said. “Tumi has chosen to expand and grow our jobs in our area; it’s awesome. This is not the first expansion that Tumi has done, and it’s great for our area. It’s a great brand and well known.”

Greater Vidalia Chamber Chair Stephanie Williams added, “The Chamber of Commerce recognizes that Tumi has been a vital, invaluable part of our community and economy. You produce a beautiful product, and you bring a lot of job opportunities to our area. We appreciate that. We look forward to working with you in the future, and for you to grow with us.”

Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper emphasized the company’s value of community, as he remarked, “You guys have been a staple here for a long time. You think about growth, and it is amazing that an existing industry continues to pour back in and grow; it says a lot about the company and the way they feel about the community.”

Toombs County Commissioner Wendell Dixon echoed similar sentiments, as he reminisced on the times that Tumi had helped to sponsor the Sweet Onion Classic golf tournament. “Richard and Tumi have always been community oriented,” he summarized.

The project will begin construction immediately, but no set completion date has been shared.

REFLECTING ON GROWTH – Tumi Vice President of Operations Richard Lawrence reflected on the growth which Tumi has experienced over the years during the groundPreaking.

Photo by Makaylee Randolph