Editor’s note: The following is a press release issued Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 by the Douglas – Coffee County Economic Development Authority.
Douglas-Coffee County is known for its diverse industry base and existing industries that continue to grow. In 2016, existing industries in Coffee County added more than 329 jobs and invested more than $17.3 million in capital investment.
“Coffee County is a standout in rural Georgia because of our existing industries that continue to excel,” states Luke Morgan, Chairman of the Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority. “2016 has been an exemplary year for our existing industries and we applaud all of them and their hard work as they continue to grow.”
Douglas-Coffee County’s unemployment rate has also decreased from 6.3% to 5.4% in 2016.
Several industries celebrated major anniversaries in Coffee County in 2016. Elixir’s Extrusion Division and Walmart DC both celebrated 30 years in Douglas in 2016. Cargo Craft celebrated its 15th Anniversary in Ambrose in 2016. Coats & Clark celebrated 35 years in Coffee County and Southwire celebrated 10 years.
Two industries opened in 2016 in Coffee County. Premium Peanut began shelling operation in January and added over 100 jobs between 2015 and 2016. Anvil Trailer opened in April with 36 employees.
Spectrum Distribution completed a 125,000 square foot expansion in April and also added new jobs.
Douglas was named one of top micropolitans in the U.S. for new and expanding industrial facilities by Site Selection magazine in 2016. The expansion of Perimeter Road and the Rail Overpass is increasing retail and commercial activity.
“The EDA continues its work by investing in the future of Coffee County,” states Andrea Taylor, Executive Director of the EDA. “We are marketing our fourth spec building and continuing to develop Satilla Industrial Park located on Highway 441 South as well as Perimeter West Extension on Thompson Drive to attract future investment.”
Additionally, Douglas-Coffee County was featured in Business in Focus Magazine this year with this quote, “Douglas-Coffee County has managed to put itself on the map, despite being located in a rural area without immediate interstate access. Already a regional hub for retail and industry, local leaders are eager to continue growing the community and expanding opportunities. With so much to offer, that should be an easy task.”
– Submitted