Caesarstone, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Bryan County recently received the annual Eagle Star “Deal of the Year” Award by conexx: America Israel Business Connector, a nonprofit that helps bring mutual economic advances to Israeli and Southeastern economies.
Caesarstone, a manufacturer of quartz surfaces, will spend approximately $100 million to put its first U.S. plant with two production lines in Bryan County.
“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 and bringing Caesarstone’s products to the homes and hearts of America,” Caesarstone CEO Yos Shiran said. “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 opment Authority of ryan 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,” DABC Chairman Steve Croy said. “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 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 said the first line will be in production by the second quarter of 2015, with the second production line 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,” GDED Commissioner Chris Carr said. “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 conexx president and CEO Shai Robkin said. “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.”
Founded and headquartered in Caesarea, Israel, Caesarstone manufactures custom quartz surfaces for kitchens, vanities, floors and other interior surfaces for residential and commercial buildings.
For more information about Caesarstone, go to www.caesarstoneus.com.