Business Report: Georgia – Mercedes-Benz USA Relocates Headquarters To Atlanta

By Ed Felton
From the January/February 2015 issue

Golf Cart Bridge in Peachtree City, GA.
Golf Cart Bridge in Peachtree City, GA. (Photo: en.wikipedia.org.)

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is relocating its North American headquarters to Atlanta from its current location in northern New Jersey, creating at least 800 jobs and investing approximately $74 million.

“With its international name recognition and unmatched reputation for quality, Mercedes-Benz USA’s decision to move to Georgia is simply a home run for the state,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “I look forward to building upon this new partnership and adding Mercedes-Benz to the state’s already impressive automotive sector. Georgia is home to many growing, globally connected businesses, due in part to our top-ranked economic environment that has made us the No. 1 state for business three times over. Mercedes-Benz will find in Georgia a state that will help its bottom line, and a people who will welcome its team and their families with open arms. Welcome to Georgia, Mercedes-Benz.”

Mercedes-Benz USA, currently headquartered in Montvale, NJ, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.

“Atlanta is a premier city which provides the perfect foundation to write the next chapter of our success story here in the U.S.,” said Mercedes-Benz USA President and CEO Stephen Cannon. “For our employees, Atlanta offers all the things that matter to us outside of work such as a strong quality of life, terrific schools and wonderful cultural and recreational activities. We’re proud to call Georgia our future home.”

The automotive industry, from headquarter operations to major automotive suppliers’ manufacturing operations, is an important part of Georgia’s economy. Georgia’s automotive sector has experienced a 149 percent increase in investment and 11 percent increase in jobs during FY 2014. In addition, the state’s automotive industry exports grew 9.2 percent between 2012 and 2013. Atlanta has become a leading city for auto technology, with the GM Innovation Center, Panasonic Automotive Innovation Center and the AT&T Drive Studio calling Georgia home.

“Welcoming one of the world’s most recognizable global brands to Georgia is an incredible victory for the state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Carr. “This wouldn’t have happened without the continued collaboration with so many of our economic development partners, including the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power, Development Authority of Fulton County, City of Sandy Springs, MARTA, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Department of Driver Services and the Georgia Council for the Arts.”

OSMOSE PUTS HQ IN PEACHTREE CITY

Gov. Nathan Deal has announced that Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., an inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation service provider for electric utilities and telecommunication companies, will build a new headquarters in Peachtree City, creating as many as 100 new jobs over the next year.

“The fact that Osmose operates around the country, yet chose to locate and expand its headquarters to Georgia, is a huge compliment to the state and our workforce,” said Deal. “Georgia’s No. 1 business climate creates a reliable and stable home for companies and corporations, big and small. Here, they will continue to discover an abundance of resources, talent and infrastructure necessary for growth.”

Osmose will build a facility for its new headquarters at 635 Highway 74 South in Peachtree City. The newly created jobs resulting from the project will include executive, administrative, IT/technology and supervisory positions.

“Our work within the utility industry spans all 50 states, but we are excited to be expanding our corporate headquarters into Peachtree City, Georgia,” said Osmose President and CEO Larry Larson. “In addition to being a highly desirable place to call home, Fayette and the surrounding counties offer an excellent talent pool we can draw from as our business continues to grow.”

Lindsay Martin, senior project manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), supported the company on behalf of the state of Georgia, along with the Fayette County Development Authority.

“We are so honored Osmose is a part of our community,” said Fayette County Development Authority Manager of Retention and Expansion Emily Poole. “We are very much looking forward to their future growth in Fayette County, and are delighted at their continued investment here.”

“More and more companies are choosing Georgia to locate their headquarters,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “Osmose’s decision to establish its headquarters in Georgia explains how our pro-business climate supports this critical business operation. With access to a skilled workforce and a solid network of companies, Osmose will continue to grow and remain competitive here.”

Osmose provides professional inspection, maintenance, life extension and rehabilitation services designed to help build resiliency into transmission and distribution infrastructure. Osmose also provides corrosion mitigation and engineered repairs for steel structures, structural load analysis, and a variety of turnkey infrastructure enhancement and upgrade solutions. With 80 years of diverse experience as a foundation, Osmose proudly serves America’s utilities as they manage aging infrastructure and build tomorrow’s intelligent utility.