First Quality to locate new manufacturing facility, create 115 jobs in Macon

ATLANTA, June 17, 2015–The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced that First Quality Packaging Solutions (FQPS), LLC, a leading plastics packaging company, will locate manufacturing operations in Macon, creating 115 jobs and investing $68 million over the next five years. 'Advanced manufacturing remains one of Georgia's strongest sectors,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. 'By taking advantage of Quick Start, the nation's No. 1 workforce training program, as well as having direct access to skilled, ready-to-work individuals and a thriving business network, it's clear that Georgia is the right spot for FQPS' newest operations. I am confident they will find success in Macon.' FQPS will design, develop and manufacture innovative plastic packaging for the Retail Food, Food Service and Healthcare market segments. FQPS is an affiliate of First Quality Baby Products, LLC, which operates a baby diaper manufacturing plant in Macon. 'First Quality is proud to announce the recent formation and launch of First Quality Packaging Solutions, LLC,' said FQPS business leader Donald Deubel.  'Organized in 2014, FQPS recently selected Macon, Georgia as the home for our flagship manufacturing operation.  FQPS will be modernizing an existing First Quality site on Industrial Highway, with construction scheduled to begin this spring.  When complete by early next year, the FQPS Macon facility will utilize industry leading manufacturing advancements and state-of-the-art technologies to produce plastic packaging for sale to external customers throughout North America. FQPS looks forward to furthering First Quality's commitment to being a cutting-edge technology-driven organization responsive to rapidly changing customer and market needs.' Candice Scott, project manager of existing industry and regional recruitment at GDEcD, supported the company on behalf of the state of Georgia, along with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Macon Economic Development Commission and the Georgia Power Company. 'The interest in Macon-Bibb as a location for new or expanding industries continues to grow, and I want to welcome First Quality to our community,' said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert A.B. Reichert. 'The selection of Macon-Bibb, I know, is due to the work of our economic development team and the quality of life we can offer here.' 'The Industrial Authority applauds First Quality Packaging Solutions, LLC's decision to locate its new manufacturing facility in Macon-Bibb County,' said Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Chairman, Cliffard Whitby. 'First Quality aptly reflects the way this privately owned company does business. Since the company's 2010 investment in our community they have not only met but exceeded their commitments. We are proud that First Quality was so pleased with the Authority's and Macon-Bibb County's ability to deliver on our promises for its first project that our community and workforce were chosen again for its newest industrial operation.  The Authority looks forward to supporting First Quality's endeavors and all our existing companies to grow and expand in Macon-Bibb County.' About First Quality Packaging Solutions, LLC (FQPS) FQPS is a member company of the privately held First Quality group of companies, headquartered in Great Neck, New York and a leading manufacturer of nondiscretionary consumer products. The company is a market leader that offers a diversified product offering of high-quality private label and branded products.  For further information, please visit Firstquality.com. About the Georgia Department of Economic Development 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, align workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. www.georgia.org