German industrial pump company locates headquarters in Thomasville

ATLANTA, Sept. 20, 2007–Today German industrial pump manufacturer WILO EMU held a ribbon-cutting at its new 60,000 square foot facility in Thomasville. The new plant creates 50 jobs and represents an $8 million investment.
'Today is a great day for Georgia manufacturing,' said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'WILO EMU's decision to locate their North American headquarters in Thomasville is a testament to the strength of our workforce and our continuing emphasis on international investment.'

The new facility is the North American headquarters of the Dortmund, Germany-based company and also includes a research and development division. The 60,000 square foot facility is located on 10 acres of land at the Plantation Oak Industrial Park in Thomasville.

The plant features a waterfall at its entrance as well as a specialized test pit that stands two stories tall. The pit enables WILO employees to test their pumps and mixers, onsite.

'The construction of this new facility clearly demonstrates the large-scale commitment that the WILO Group is making to both Thomasville and the North American marketplace,' said Terry Rouse, President and CEO of WILO EMU USA LLC. 'Most importantly, it will help support the rapidly growing demand for WILO EMU pumps and mixers in this part of the world.'

Brian Marlowe, regional project manager with GDEcD, worked with company and local officials on the project.

'We are delighted with WILO EMU's decision to locate their North American headquarters in Thomasville,' said Don Sims, president of the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. 'They are such a terrific company and are very community oriented.'

WILO EMU USA LLC, headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia, provides heavy-duty municipal and industrial pumps designed for water and sewage applications, including pumps for sewage, tertiary waste, and potable water. The company is part of the WILO Group, one of the world's leading pump manufacturers.

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 http://www.georgia.org/business-resources or call 404-962-4830.