Caesarstone, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Bryan County were recently honored with the annual Eagle Star “Deal of the Year” Award by conexx: America Israel Business Connector, a non-profit organization that helps bring mutual economic advances to Israeli and Southeastern economies.
Caesarstone is a manufacturer of quartz surfaces marketed worldwide. The company will spend approximately $100 million to put their first U.S. plant with two production lines in coastal Georgia in Bryan County near the ports of Brunswick and Savannah.
“Caesarstone is very pleased to be recognized by conexx: American Israel Business Connector. North America, specifically the United States, is our fastest growing market, and we look forward to opening our manufacturing facility in Richmond Hill, Ga., and bringing Caesarstone’s products to the homes and hearts of America,” said Yos Shiran, CEO of Caesarstone. “We selected Belfast Commerce Centre for the quality of the workforce, the superior logistics infrastructure, and the support we received from the community and state.”
The project was assisted by The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Bryan County. Caesarstone is expected to eventually create 180 jobs in Bryan County.
“We are honored the Caesarstone project has been named the 2014 Deal of the Year,” said Steve Croy, chairman of the Development Authority of Bryan County. “This project was truly a collaborative effort between Caesarstone, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, the Development Authority of Bryan County, the city of Richmond Hill, the Bryan County Board of Commissioners, and TerraPointe. Caesarstone’s selection of Belfast Commerce Centre validates Bryan County, Ga., as a desirable place for international companies to locate operations.”
The U.S. Caesarstone facility, at full build-out, will expand the company’s current production by 50 percent. Company officials noted the first line would be in production by the second quarter of 2015, with the second production line to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2015.
“It is no surprise that Caesarstone’s continued growth and success has gained recognition from Georgia’s international community,” said Chris Carr, commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The company’s commitment to Bryan County goes beyond job creation, and they are an excellent addition to Georgia’s solid manufacturing network.”
“As an organization whose mission it is to develop and nurture business connections, we are always impressed when we see government and private industry working together in a true spirit of partnership,” said president and CEO of conexx Shai Robkin. “Our Eagle Star Deal of the Year honored Bryan County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Israeli company Caesarstone for demonstrating how well everyone can pull in the same direction to overcome the many obstacles that often prevent deals of this nature from reaching fruition.”