American Textile to create more than 100 jobs in Tifton
American Textile Company, a leading provider of innovative sleep solutions, will expand operations in Tifton, creating more than 100 new jobs and investing $10 million over the next three years.
“In a relatively short time, American Textile has proven to be a true team player for economic development in Tifton, and we look forward to its continued success,” Gov. Nathan Deal said in announcing the expansion Wednesday.
The 418,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility currently employs 200 people.
“Consumer demand for American-made products, coupled with rising freight costs and overseas wages, has made it financially viable for companies to expand in the United States,” said American Textile President and CEO Lance Ruttenburg. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this resurgence of the textile industry in the Southeast and have found Tifton to be the perfect fit for us.”
The firm opened its Tifton operation in 2011 and has added 200,000 square feet and nearly doubled its workforce two years ahead of schedule.
Small business conference set for Sept. 25
Registration is open for the annual Mayor’s Small Business Conference scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center.
Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. To pre-register, go to www.savannahga.gov/businessconference or contact the Economic Development Department at 912-651-3653.
The conference is free and includes a continental breakfast, workshops and a networking lunch.
The conference is designed to promote small business development and growth through networking and sharing of information. Workshops will be provided by representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the local business community.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Trey Cook, chief operating officer of Savannah Tire.
Armstrong, Georgia Military College sign agreement
Armstrong State University officials signed a memorandum of understanding with Georgia Military College, a junior college located in Milledgeville, on Aug. 29 to make it easier for students to transfer to Armstrong.
The memorandum states that any Georgia Military College student who graduates with an associate degree and a 2.0 GPA will be guaranteed admission to Armstrong and enter at the junior level, with core classes complete.
Armstrong president Linda Bleicken and Georgia Military College president William B. Caldwell IV signed the agreement.
Earlier this year, Armstrong announced plans to waive all mandatory student fees for active duty military students.
Georgia Military College, established in 1879, has 1,549 students enrolled.
