Calpis America Inc. has selected Peachtree City, GA for its U.S. headquarters and first manufacturing operation. The company will invest $20 million and create 42 jobs in its first year of operations.
“Georgia is the ideal place for Calpis to expand in the United States,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “International firms such as Calpis find success here not only because Georgia is one of the top markets for its products, but because the state is a hub for fast, efficient outreach to other markets in North and South America. The company’s strategic decision to locate here moves us closer to becoming the best place in the nation in which to do business.”
Calpis will construct a facility in Peachtree City Industrial Park to produce its direct-fed microbial product, CALSPORIN® animal feed ingredients, which is used widely in the livestock industry to supply a naturally occurring microorganism. Operations are anticipated to begin in April 2014, and Georgia Quick Start workforce training program will assist the company with its training needs.
“Locating this plant in Georgia will enable us to better serve the industry and to utilize the abundant workforce. Peachtree City provides us good access to our users as well as transportation convenience both domestically and internationally,” said president of Calpis America Inc. Masato Yoshida.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development partnered with the Fayette County Development Authority to manage this project. Scott McMurray, director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Logistics, Energy, Agriculture and Food Processing industry team, assisted Calpis on behalf of the state.
“We are excited to welcome another Japanese company to Fayette County,” said Fayette County Development Authority Chair Randy Hayes. “Our proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and our unique quality of life are going to help Calpis get off to a great start here in Georgia.”
“The company joins more than 370 Japanese businesses throughout the state employing 20,000-plus Georgians. It is our partnerships both at home and abroad that make this sort of success possible,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey.
