Page 36 - Glass Machinery Plants & Accessories no. 6-2019

GLASS MANUFACTURING

Glass manufacturing

tainers for the spirits, wine and represented the Global porate citizenship as it becomes
beverage industries. Commerce division in partner- a major employer in our com-
According to Andrea ship with the Valdosta-Lowndes munity.” The company will oper-
Schruurer, VLCDA Executive County Development Authority ate a state-of-the-art facility
Director, the new plant will cre- and Georgia Power. that incorporates the latest glass
ate 150 jobs, with USD 123 “We are very excited to wel- forming technology and cutting-
million in capital investments, come Arglass to Valdosta,” edge environmental controls for a
all made possible also thanks said GDEcD Commissioner reduced environmental footprint.
to backing from key community Pat Wilson. “This is an incred- The facility, located in
partners. ible win for the region, and with Valdosta, Georgia, will serve as
CEO and COO of Nihon Valdosta’s prime accessibility and the company’s first US plant,
Yamamura Glass Koji Yamamura a quality workforce that is second creating glass products based on
spoke about his company’s belief to none, I am confident that all the company’s founding princi-
that the location of the plant of the company’s needs will be ples of flexibility, efficiency, and
is ideal thanks to its potential, met.” sustainability. Valdosta’s highly-
which will lead to rapid growth. “We are pleased Arglass has skilled workforce, affordability,
“With our highly-trained work- chosen to build their manufactur- educational infrastructure, and
force, unmatched logistics net- ing facility in Lowndes County,” close proximity to markets along
work, and pro-business climate, said Tom Call, former chairman the East Coast were determining
the Peach State has solidified its of the Valdosta-Lowndes County factors in Arglass’s location deci-
reputation as a top competitor Development Authority. “Arglass sion for its speciality manufactur-
for manufacturing investment in will create more than 150 jobs in ing operations.
recent years. Without question, our area. We are looking forward
this announcement is a great to the opportunities that this new THE PLANT
addition to our success story,” industry can bring to our local With this new plant, Arglass’
said Governor Brian P. Kemp. community and residents.” goal is that of being the plant of
“This new facility will generate “I am extremely pleased to wel- choice for the spirits and bever-
exciting opportunities for hard- come Arglass to Lowndes County age industries. As the first new
working Georgians throughout and into our diverse group of glass plant in America in over
the region, and we are grateful industries,” said Bill Slaughter, a generation, Arglass will serve
that Arglass chose to begin oper- chairman of the Lowndes County customers looking for flexibil-
ations here in Georgia.” Board of Commissioners. ity, efficiency and customization,
Georgia Department of “Creating quality jobs for our not being met by US manu-
Economic Development residents is a top priority for local facturers or international glass
(GDEcD) Director of Advanced officials. We know that Arglass is suppliers right now. The plant
Manufacturing Ashley Varnum committed to outstanding cor- has, in fact, been designed taking

34 glass machinery plants & accessories 6/2019