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The Georgia Economic Developers Association has recognized the decision of the Israeli company Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd. to build a manufacturing facility in Bryan County as the “Deal of the Year” in the 50,000 and under population category.
The honor was presented Monday at the organization’s annual awards luncheon in Atlanta.
The award, which recognizes achievement in locating or expanding new business, was judged by a group made up of an independent site selection consultant and state partners who made recommendations to the GEDA board.
Gov. Nathan Deal honored the company and a range of partners in the collaborative effort, including the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, the Development Authority of Bryan County, the city of Richmond Hill, the Bryan County Board of Commissioners, Georgia Ports Authority and TerraPointe Services, the real estate subsidiary of Rayonier Inc.
In June, conexx: America Israel Business Connector, a nonprofit organization that helps bring mutual economic advances to Israel and the Southeastern United States, also named the Caesarstone decision as its “Eagle Star Deal of the Year.”
Caesarstone announced a year ago that it would build its first U.S. manufacturing plant at Belfast Commerce Centre, an industrial site owned and managed by TerraPointe and the largest rail-served site in the Port of Savannah market.
“We are pleased with our decision to locate our plant in Bryan County,” said Yosef Shiran, Caesarstone’s chief executive officer. “The proximity
to the Savannah port, convenient transportation, availability of quality workforce and the support of the community and authorities of Bryan County and the state of Georgia make this the right location for our operation expansion.”
In addition to creating 180 jobs, Caesarstone is investing more than $100 million in the facility.
Derrick Smith, chairman of the Development Authority of Bryan County, said the deal was a true collaborative effort.
“The Caesarstone project was extremely competitive,” Smith said. “Initially, Caesarstone reviewed 80 sites in seven states. All the parties — from the company to the landowner, the city, the county, and the development authority — came together to find creative solutions to make this deal happen. And we were all working around different time zones, cultures, and languages throughout the process.”
JOB FAIR
The Georgia Department of Labor will host a job fair to fill a number of positions with Caesarstone at its new $120 million manufacturing facility in Richmond Hill. The recruitment isfrom 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Richmond Hill City Center, 520 Cedar St. The company is recruiting for jobs in production engineering, general maintenance, the mold department, the polish department, finished goods, finance, information technology, human resources, technology and laboratory, quality control, logistics, raw materials, and environmental, health, and safety.
ABOUT CAESARSTONE
Caesarstone, founded and headquartered in Caesarea, Israel, manufactures custom quartz surfaces for kitchens, vanities, floors and other interior surfaces for both residential and commercial buildings. It offers more than 40 unique colors and textures available in more than 50 countries. For more information, go to www.caesarstoneus.com.
