During Wednesday morning’s Grits and Government event at the Richmond Hill City Center, Ralph Forbes, head of the the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber’s governmental affairs committee, said “that every time you open up the paper it seems there’s another project coming to Bryan County.”
And another and another, as it turns out.
The most recent projects announced by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp involve an ammunition manufacturer and a global apparel company, both of which plan to set up shop in Black Creek at Interstate Centre III, not far from the Bryan County Mega-Site, home to the new Hyundai Metaplant America.
The projects, though unrelated, represent what officials say will be another $147 million in investment into the county and an additional 994 jobs.
Beretta Holding S.A., through its subsidiary Norma Precision Inc., will “expand its footprint in Georgia and build a new manufacturing, assembly and distribution facility in Bryan County,” with a $60 million, 600 job investment, the governor said Friday.
Monday, Kemp announced Komar Brands, “an industry leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of sleepwear, intimates, kids, and layering apparel brands,” will invest $87 million and create 294 jobs at Interstate Centre III.
There was more.
Tuesday, officials held a groundbreaking for the Georgia International Commerce Centre, an industrial park in Ellabell bordered by Highway 80 and Eldora Road. It promises to add some 7 million square feet in warehouse space before it’s through.
Editor’s note: Read more about the Grits and Government event in upcoming issues of the News.
In the meantime, here’s a look at the announcements regarding Norma Precision and Komar.
The Norma Precision announcement:
“Norma Precision, formerly a U.S. subsidiary of Ammotec Inc., was recently acquired by Beretta Holding S.A., one of the world’s oldest industrial groups.
Norma Precision will continue to develop and produce high-end ammunition to serve key markets in the hunting, sporting goods, optics, military, and law enforcement sectors,” according to the release, which notes the company has a facility in Chatham County. It will be closed.
The release quoted company officers and Development Authority of Bryan County Chairman Jon Seagraves.
“Norma Precision manufactured ammunition in the United States for 12 years as RUAG Ammotec USA. The past four years have been remarkable in terms of steady growth.
With this expansion and focus on the Norma ammunition brand, we will continue to grow while better serving our customers and industry partners in the United States and abroad,” said Dr. Pietro Gussalli Beretta, president and CEO of Beretta Holding S.A. “I am pleased with all that Georgia has to offer to our company, and I am confident this long-term partnership will be mutually beneficial.”
“This new facility offers Norma Precision a significant opportunity to expand our small arms ammunition manufacturing and distribution operations to meet our customer expectations in the United States and abroad,” said Paul Lemke, CEO of Norma Precision. “We are thankful for the support provided by Bryan County, Chatham County, local communities, and the State of Georgia, and look forward to partnering with everyone as we hire, train, and transfer the staff required to manufacture, sell, and distribute Norma world-class ammunition and trade goods.”
Following completion of Norma Precision’s new 300,000 square foot facility, operations from the Chatham County location will be moved to Bryan County. Current employees at the Chatham County facility will have the option to transfer to the new facility, according to officials.
The company is currently hiring multiple positions and experience levels in manufacturing, distribution, HR, marketing, and sales. Individuals interested in career opportunities with the company are encouraged to visit www.Norma-Shooting.com for additional information.
“We are very excited to share the news about the decision of Norma Precision to locate a new manufacturing facility in Interstate Centre III,” Seagraves said. “It’s not often you are able to work with a company like Norma Precision, which is backed by the nearly 500 years of experience and tradition that comes with Beretta Holding. Our team has been working hard on this project for a few years now, and we are thrilled to celebrate this great win for our community and officially welcome the company to Bryan County.”
Komar’s announcement
“Komar is pleased to be partnering with Georgia to establish this new manufacturing and distribution center, which is an important part of our strategic vision,” said Charlie Komar, president and CEO of Komar.
“We are looking forward to breaking ground in the very near future and appreciate all the assistance and cooperation to make this project come to fruition.”
“Komar is a welcome addition to our existing industry base in Bryan County,” Seagraves said.
“Our staff sourced this lead at the Georgia Port Authority’s Georgia Foreign Trade Conference three years ago, and we are excited that the work done over the last several years has resulted in such a great project.”
Regional Project Manager Dorie Bacon represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with Development Authority of Bryan County, Georgia Ports Authority, and Georgia Quick Start.
“We’re excited to welcome a well-established company like Komar to Georgia, and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship between the company and community,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our consistent economic policy and dedication to speedto- market solutions have made Georgia a dynamic place to grow. We’re grateful for the strong partnerships between our local communities and the Georgia Ports Authority that make doing business in Georgia easier for companies like Komar.”
Among the private label brands managed by Komar are Anne Klein, Halston, Jockey, Kate Spade New ork, Lauren, Nautica and Tommy Bahama, according to the company’s website.
You learn more about Komar at www.komarbrands. com/careers.