Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced GF Casting Solutions AG, a division of Georg Fischer AG, Schaffhausen will build a $148 million plant. The Augusta Corporate Park off Mike Padgett Highway will be the home to the manufacturing company.
“Having met the great team at GF Casting Solutions during our recent mission to Switzerland, we could not be more excited to welcome them to the Peach State. Congratulations to Augusta and Richmond County for securing these jobs of the future for Georgians,” Kemp was quoted in the Friday news release announcing the agreement.
According to the news release, “GF Casting Solutions develops and produces parts made from aluminum, magnesium, iron, and super alloy for light vehicles, trucks, aerospace, energy, off-highway vehicles, and industrial applications.”
Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA), says this is the latest piece in the puzzle to grow the manufacturing base and provide jobs for the region.
“We’re trying to get quality companies that create quality jobs and look out for their communities into the Augusta area,” he explained. “We want them investing money into the community. And fortunately, with Aurubis, with GF, with Denkai, we are having some luck finding those companies.”
AEDA’s luck has had help from companies currently under construction in the corporate park.
“Companies like Aurubis that are well thought of, and their opinion matters when companies are looking at Augusta. Aurubis was very involved in talking about Augusta, and what a good place it was to do business,” said Wray.
Aurubis Richmond, LLC was announced in late 2021. The Germany-based company recycles copper, precious metals, and non-ferrous materials for use in lithium-ion batteries and other electronics. Once complete, it will employ about 250 people.
The GF Casting Solutions plant will produce cast aluminum parts targeting the large structural components needed by the automotive industry.
“Building a high-pressure die casting facility is a very long-term investment. The new facility will complete our footprint to become truly global in the e-mobility market,” the news release quoted Carlos Vasto, President of GF Casting Solutions. “We are looking forward to bringing leading technology to the US and to creating advanced manufacturing jobs for several generations in Georgia. The location is ideal for addressing the thriving automotive industry in the region.”
The company was founded in 1802. It currently has 12 production sites in Austria, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, and China with more than 4,000 employees.
The Richmond County plant will create 350 jobs. Wray anticipates groundbreaking this summer and expects initial hiring to begin by year’s end. He recommends anyone interested should begin looking at the company’s website now to acquaint themselves with the company.
www.georgfischer.com/en/career.html
The corporate park has 1,800 acres. The new tenant will use 147 acres, creating an enviable conundrum for AEDA.
ABD will look at the future of the Augusta Corporate Park, how much is occupied, how much remains, and what the future holds in the Thursday edition.
