Gedia Automotive Group is to build a manufacturing facility that will start production with a focus on parts for electric vehicles.
Gedia will invest US$85m in the project, delivering 200 jobs to the greater Dalton area at a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified property in Whitfield County.
“As we are a national leader in manufacturing, logistics, and workforce training, I’m confident this family-owned business will be very pleased with their decision to join the growing electric vehicle ecosystem here in Georgia,” said Governor, Brian Kemp.
“Once again, the State’s consistent investment in our Germany-based European office is paying off and I look forward to seeing the opportunities Gedia creates for hard-working Georgians in Whitfield County.”
Supported by Georgia’s government partners in the Free State of Bavaria, one of Georgia’s partner regions, the announcement comes as Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner, Pat Wilson is currently travelling in Germany to meet government officials, tourism and trade partners.
In addition to his meeting at Gedia headquarters, he is also safely visiting other companies in the final stages of the decision-making process on entering the US market.
With more than 100 years of experience, Gedia supplies lightweight structural automotive parts to Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo among others.
Headquartered in Germany, this will mark the company’s first site in the South East and its second facility in the US.
“This project is an essential step into the future for Gedia and we are delighted to be taking this step with the State of Georgia,” said Markus Schaumburg, one of two Gedia Automotive Group CEOs
“Moving closer to the original equipment manufacturers allows us to serve the American market even better. In addition, our new innovative production facility with 200 planned positions not only increases the value of our company, but also contributes to the on-going development of Whitfield County.”
For his part, Gedia additional CEO, Helmut Hinkel added: “The heart of our plant in Whitfield County will be the hot-forming line with our patented TemperBox, which will allow us to broaden our product range and expand our value chain for a constantly evolving automotive market.
“The Gedia TemperBox takes tailored tempering technology to the next level, enabling us to create body components with lower weight and significantly higher crash safety performance, while at the same time conserving energy and material.”
Gedia will use press hardening, tempering and automated welding processes to produce parts for electric vehicles and operations are expected to start in the third quarter of 2021.
Gedia will be offering opportunities for management and staff positions, technicians and production workers.
