The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority (VLCDA) announced that Utility Plastics, LLC, will invest approximately $20 million to open a facility in Valdosta, creating more than 60 jobs in Lowndes County. 

Utility Plastics will customize the VLCDA's 100,000-square-foot speculative building, which was completed in March and is located on 10 acres in the Westside Business Park.

"We are grateful that Utility Plastics decided to expand its operations in Valdosta," said Brad Folsom, Chairman of the VLCDA Board. "Providing available sites, including ready-to-use building space, is a key part of the board's responsibility. We anticipated the demand and invested in two spec buildings, creating quality jobs for our community."  

"We are excited to announce Valdosta as the future home of our manufacturing facility, corporate offices, and world headquarters," said Chris Corbett, CEO of Utility Plastics. "This move will bring competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to employees in the local community."

Utility Plastics produces heavy-duty underground enclosures for power, water, and communication markets worldwide. As part of its initial startup phase, the company will manufacture an estimated 23 million pounds of plastics annually.

According to Corbett, AgTech Recycling, LLC, Utility Plastics' sister company, will provide most of the recycled resin used in the manufacturing process. To further boost the company's growth, future production will include blown film for the agricultural and food processing industry.

"The bigger win is that we never leave our footprint on the environment," Corbett said. "We are 100 percent committed to being a great steward to preserving the natural environment and eliminating the need to add to the waste stream in our manufacturing processes." 

Bruce Hayden, CEO of Featherridge, LLC, Utility Plastics' parent company, said, Valdosta, was selected after an extensive and competitive search process. 

"The development authority put their best efforts into enticing us to expand our company in Valdosta, we appreciate their assistance in helping us finalize our decision," Hayden said. "Utility Plastics is bringing significant capital investments and jobs, and we desire to be a great support system to Valdosta and the region. Our strategic planning efforts are focused on long-term expansion for Utility Plastics and Featherridge."

Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director of the VLCDA, said, "Utility Plastics' decision to expand their manufacturing operation and corporate offices to Valdosta is exciting news for our community and region. This project highlights our dedication to making Valdosta an attractive destination for established businesses seeking new growth opportunities in South Georgia."

Valdosta City Mayor Scott James Matheson added, "We are thrilled to welcome Utility Plastics to Valdosta. The investment and the job opportunities they are bringing will greatly benefit our community. This is a significant step forward in our efforts to foster economic growth and sustainability in our city. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Utility Plastics and their commitment to environmental stewardship.” 

“We are delighted that Utility Plastics has chosen to expand its manufacturing operations here in Lowndes County, Georgia,” said Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter. “The continued creation of quality jobs for our residents is a top priority for local officials, and we wish Utility Plastics much success in Lowndes County.”