First Quality Baby Products, will invest $418 million to expand its presence in Macon-Bibb County, creating 600 new jobs.
“We are always grateful when job creators like First Quality choose to expand in Georgia, and we will continue to work to strengthen these long-term partnerships that enrich communities in every corner of the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “More than 70 percent of economic development projects last year were expansions of companies already operating here in our state, and thanks to companies like First Quality, that positive trend will continue.”
First Quality Baby Products, and its subsidiaries manufacture baby diapers; youth and training pants; a full line of adult incontinence, feminine hygiene and wipes products; paper towels; and toilet paper, while packaging products for commercial, retail and healthcare channels.
“In March, First Quality announced that we will increase our baby diaper and sports pants manufacturing capacity by 50 percent, and we are excited to announce that our expansion will take place in Macon, Georgia,” said Allen Bodford, president of First Quality absorbents. Hygiene Division. “This expansion is a testament to First Quality’s innovative products and continued commitment to the baby diaper market. We thank Governor Kemp, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority for their continued support. We also express our deep gratitude to our dedicated team in Macon for their tireless devotion to Premium Quality.”
First Quality’s expanded facility will be located at 2108 Avondale Mill Road, adjacent to its current location in Macon. The company will hire for executive, administrative, supervisory and production positions. Vacancies will be posted on www.firstquality.com as they become available.
“First Quality has been an important member of the Macon-Bibb team for many years. We are proud to support them as they invest millions in new infrastructure in our community, which means hundreds of jobs will be preserved and hundreds more created,” said Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller. “This is the best community in the best state for doing business, and the success and expansion of First Quality is proof of that!”
“First Quality’s decision to expand its operations here is a testament to the strength and attractiveness of our local business environment in Macon-Bibb County,” said President Robby Fountain, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. “MBCIA has worked closely with First Quality over the years to facilitate its growth and we are delighted to see its continued success. This expansion highlights the confidence businesses have in our community as a place to invest and prosper. “We are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings and remain dedicated to supporting First Quality’s continued growth and success.”
Candice Scott, senior regional project manager, represented the Global Trade division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on this competitive project in partnership with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Power and Georgia Quick Start.
“First Quality has been a respected company in Georgia for more than a decade and continues to create competitive jobs for Macon-Bibb County,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We are excited about First Quality’s decision to expand its facilities in Georgia, benefiting from our skilled workforce and our acclaimed Georgia Quick Start training program. Congratulations to First Quality, Macon-Bibb County and our regional partners on this exciting announcement.”
First Quality has been in Macon since 2008, following the acquisition of Covidien™ Retail Products. Learn more about Macon’s current facilities at www.firstquality.com/en/Who-We-Are/Facilities/Macon.
About first quality
The First Quality group of companies is a diversified, closely held group of companies that manufacture, sell and distribute branded and private label packaging, paper and hygiene absorbent products across commercial, retail and healthcare channels. First Quality is dedicated to meeting market demands by providing innovative, high-quality products manufactured using state-of-the-art technology. For more information, visit www.firstquality.com.
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