MACON, Ga. — Millions of dollars in investment and hundreds of jobs are set to come to Macon once diaper maker First Quality expands its plant near Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
Gov. Brian Kemp's office and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority made the announcement Thursday morning. Hours later, construction crews were working to clear the land next to the Avondale Mill Road facility.
"You know, 14 years later, like First Quality, when they go to make an expansion, it brings a smile to your face. Because, you know you're doing something right," Industrial Authority Chairman Robby Fountain said of the expansion.
"Something right" could bring 600 jobs and $418 million in investments after the expansion. They're not the first company to grow more roots in Macon lately.
YKK AP and Irving Tissue both saw expansions in recent months. Agile Cold Storage opened their doors a few weeks ago.
"A lot of good things happening in Macon-Bibb County," Fountain said.
The growth brings good news to the Central Georgia job market. This month, the Georgia Department of Labor reported unemployment down a half-point in April, from 3.5% to 3%. Despite that progress, the labor force was down a bit. The First Quality expansion could help that.
"There's a lot of different employment opportunities for Maconites here to be able to get a good job. Obviously, $75,000 is an average salary. Some higher, some lower. But yes, it's a great salary though," Fountain said.
They'll hire executives, supervisors and production workers, too.
"In Macon, we like to see companies come in. Not just to come in and bring their investment, but their payroll," Fountain said.
He's expecting the company to finish construction and open the doors on their new addition within a year. The company will post jobs to its website once they start hiring.