Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Southwire, a leading manufacturer of wire and cable used in the distribution of electricity, will expand its presence in Carroll County, creating 375 jobs and investing $95 million into the project over the next four years.

 “Southwire continues to expand its presence within Georgia,” said Deal. “This homegrown company was founded here decades ago, and its growth in Georgia reflects the advanced skills of our dedicated workforce as well as its overall satisfaction with our business-friendly environment.”

Founded in 1950, Southwire remains headquartered in Carrollton and has a long track record of creating and retaining jobs in the state.  In 2011 and 2012, the company created more than 600 jobs in Carroll County and 89 jobs in Coffee County. In this latest expansion, Southwire has purchased a 144,000-square-foot-facility in Villa Rica and has entered into a contract with Sony Music Holdings Inc. to purchase Sony Music’s 635,000-square-foot facility in Carrollton. The purchase is contingent upon completion of a 120-day due diligence period.

“Southwire continues to pursue meaningful growth across all of our markets as we strive to become and remain leaders in each of those businesses,” said Southwire President and CEO Stu Thorn. “These facilities and the new jobs they provide are tangible proof of that commitment. They also demonstrate our commitment to focus new growth in our hometown of Carrollton, which has contributed immeasurably to our success.”

Southwire delivers power to millions of people around the world. In fact, one in three homes built in the United States contains wire made by the company. Half of the utility cable used to distribute electricity throughout the country  is manufactured by Southwire. The company also provides cable and wire solutions for the commercial, industrial and OEM markets and recently launched a line of electrician’s tools to complement its Maxis brand of contractor equipment.

The Villa Rica Development Authority, the Carrollton Payroll Development Authority, the City of Carrollton, the City of Villa Rica and Carroll Tomorrow all supported the recent Southwire expansion. EJane Caraway, senior project manager on the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Existing Industry team, managed the project for the state.

 “The City of Carrollton works hand in hand with Carroll Tomorrow and local and state agencies not only to entice new industry, but to support the expansion of existing industry,” stated Carrollton Mayor Wayne Garner. “This tremendous investment is evidence of Southwire’s continued commitment to support the economic development of our city and county, and we are extremely grateful for the part they play in creating a healthy future for our communities.”

 “We are very excited that Southwire has chosen to expand their operations to our city,” said Villa Rica Mayor J. Collins. “They have been a very valuable resource to Villa Rica for many years and we look forward to this continued partnership.”

“It is no surprise that Southwire would take advantage of Georgia’s strong business infrastructure,” said Pat Wilson, chief operating officer at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  “The company’s expansion reflects not only the strength of Georgia’s growing manufacturing industry but also our dynamic logistics network.”

- Whitney Agan