Labor market set to explode in Burke County

Plant Vogtle’s workforce routinely propels Burke County to the highest average salary by area in the CSRA. A recent announcement will likely help support those numbers.

Burke County is the latest to join the ranks of others in the CSRA, announcing a new manufacturing facility.

TCM Transformers USA Inc. will build a more than $15 million facility in Waynesboro.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R) made the announcement in a Thursday news release. He had toured the company’s facilities in Italy earlier this year.

“When we lead economic missions overseas and meet with companies like TMC, we do so to bring more opportunities back to hardworking Georgians, and so job creators like them can build a strong foundation alongside communities like Waynesboro,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “TMC’s decision to create over 100 well-paying jobs in Burke County comes at a critical time, and we look forward to their impact as that region of our state continues to recover and rebuild following the recent hurricanes.”

Austin Stacy, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Burke County (DABC), told ABD the state provided the company with several potential sites.

“And then it was just a simple conversation from there,” he said. “They fell in love with the culture that we have in our community, and you know, it very much aligns with their core values. And you know what they believe as a company over in Italy as well, and they said this is, you know, would be a pretty seamless transition for them.”

TMC currently has a small operation in the county, employing about 15 people. The new facility will result in about 110 new jobs.

This follows fast on the heels of another major economic announcement earlier this year.

In July, Ritz Instrument Transformers, based in Hamburg, Germany, announced plans for a $28 million facility that will employ about 130 people.

Stacy said the combination provides a substantial employment boost to the county.

“This provides the citizens of Burke County, who have to make that 30 to 45-minute drive every day to Richmond or Columbia (Counties), to work right here in their backyard. And that’s kind of the key point here. This is a great opportunity for us.”

Ritz specializes in instrument transformers from 600 V to 500 kV and solid insulation bus-bar systems, while TMC focuses on the design and production of medium and low-voltage dry-type cast resin and VPI transformers.

“Combining our expertise in the dry-type transformer industry with the needs of the U.S. market for accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy, the launch of the new plant highlights TMC’s strategic plans for substantial growth in North America,” said Cristiano Palladini, President of TMC USA, in the news release.

Stacy said the new manufacturing facilities can also serve to attract other businesses, ranging from support companies to retail businesses.

“We know that these project announcements are going to attract retail, but we also understand that you got to put your best foot forward and also seek some of those opportunities out, which we are currently and actively doing,” he explained. “So, we are taking on a multi-facet front here of not only industry, but also retail.”

Stacy anticipates construction of the plant in the Burke County Industrial Park will begin by early 2025 with the plant opening in 2026.

The news release said TMC will be hiring personnel for management, administrative staff, production technicians, sales, and other positions. Individuals can learn more about the company and review job openings at www.tmctransformers.us.

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