Expansion Management

Auto Supplier’s New Georgia Plant Supports Growth of German Companies in State

May 1, 2015

Germany is one of Georgia’s top five investor nations. Since June 2014, German automotive companies have invested more than $160 million and created more than 1,400 jobs in Georgia.

Adrienne Selko

Georgia was quite pleased to add GEIGER Automotive, a manufacturer of plastic products for the auto industry, to its roster of German-based companies.

GEIGER announced on April 30 that will open its first U.S.plant in the state and employ 120 over the next several years.

“GEIGER Automotive’s decision to locate its U.S. facility in Gwinnett County underscores not only our booming auto hub, but also the growth of German companies in Georgia,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Carr. “The state’s strategic location to large OEMs, including the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant, coupled with a highly skilled workforce, create the ideal location for companies such as GEIGER Automotive to thrive.”

The new facility will manufacture plastic automotive components for engine compartment powertrain applications. GEIGER produces highly engineered products for cooling and brake systems in relation to air and fluid management, as well as many other functional products under the hood.

“This location was strategically selected to optimize our ability to supply to our current automotive customers in the southeast U.S.,” said Ralph Ralston, president, NAFTA region, GEIGER Automotive, USA, Inc. “We see an increasing interest from automotive OEMs in the region and a high growth potential for us here.”

Germany is one of Georgia’s top five investor nations. Since June 2014, German automotive companies have invested more than $160 million and created more than 1,400 jobs in Georgia.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.