GDEcD News
CONTACT:
Alison Tyrer
Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4078
Applewood Doors chooses North Georgia to expand operations
Manufacturing and retail operations in Union and Gilmer counties to create 37 new jobs
ATLANTA, Oct. 25, 2005 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Georgia-based Applewood Doors and Windows, Inc. will locate a manufacturing facility in Blairsville, Union County, Ga., and expand its existing retail operation in Ellijay, located in Gilmer County, for a net investment of $7 million and 37 new jobs for Georgians.
"Applewood's decision to expand in Georgia is a success story for all parties," said GDEcD Commissioner Craig Lesser. "Keeping thriving businesses here in the state is as much a priority for us as recruiting new ones."
Applewood will construct a 114,300-square-foot building at 1000 Airport Industrial Road in Blairsville for its manufacturing operation, which will move from its current location in Ellijay, Applewood’s headquarters, retaining 23 jobs in Georgia and adding 27 more positions to the company’s manufacturing workforce. The current Ellijay retail operation at 420 Industrial Boulevard will expand into the 40,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by the production facility, and add 10 jobs.
Applewood decided to keep all its operations in Georgia, thus retaining 23 existing jobs in Georgia after considering options that included moving out of state.
“Staying in Georgia was definitely our preference,” said Lamar Lance, owner of Applewood Doors and Windows. “We appreciate the assistance of the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Union County’s development authority in locating an expansion site that suited our needs.”
“We are very excited that Applewood has chosen to come to Blairsville,” said Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris. “The company will be a great addition to Union County’s economy, and the community is ready and able to work with Applewood to ensure its success here.”
Union County Development Authority Chairman W.C. Nelson agreed, saying, “Applewood is a quality employer and will help stimulate other economic development in Union County.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org.
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