b'ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTOur state-of-the-art glass plant is not only new in Georgia but the entire country, says Arozamena. It has been about 60 years since a glass container manufacturing plant was built east of the Mississippi, and almost 30 years in the entire U.S. A Perfect FitGeorgias pro-business environment was a leading factor in recruiting Arglass Yamamura, which considered locations throughout the Southeast region. The sites were evaluated based on location, transportation access, workforce, energy cost, and quality of life, says Arozamena. Based on all these factors, the scoring put Valdosta on top. Located equal distance between Atlanta and Orlando, WES SEWELLLowndes County sits on Interstate 75 and is easily accessible to Interstate 10, and multiple state highways. The countys logistical network also includes rail service provided by Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads.n: Andrea Schrujer, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, with Jos de Diego Industry Wi Having the rail infrastructure and being close to two Arozamena, CEO of Arglass Yamamurainterstates for quick access is critical, says Arozamena. R aising a glass to success, Valdosta, Lowndes County continues to celebrate its latest industry win.For both our customers and suppliers. The rail will be$123 MILLION INVESTMENTGov. Brian Kemp joined local and state business leaders for the symbolic turning of the dirt ceremony andused mostly for bringing in the raw materials, which announcement that Arglass Yamamura, LLC, will create more than 150 jobs and invest $123 million to build itsinclude soda ash and sand. The finished bottles will go out primarily by trucks.first U.S. glass container manufacturing plant in Lowndes County. 150+ NEW JOBSWith our highly-trained workforce, unmatched logistics network, and pro-business climate, the Peach State has solidified its reputationWhen completed, the Arglass plant will utilize the glass as a top competitor for manufacturing investment in recent years, says Gov. Kemp. Without question, this facility will generate excitingmanufacturing industrys most advanced technology, opportunities for hardworking Georgians throughout the region, and we are grateful that Arglass Yamamura chose to begin operations inincluding robotics and advanced manufacturing.Georgia. A joint venture between Cambium,Traditionally, U.S. glass containerresponsible material that can, at the same a private merchant bank, and Nihonmanufacturers are focused on largetime, be customized, dynamic, colorful,I am extremely pleased to welcome Arglass Yamamura, a leading Japanese glassvolume production. As a result, customersand cost-competitive.manufacturer, the Valdosta facility willwith smaller and more diversified productYamamura to Lowndes County and into Arozamena says today there are more produce specialized glass containers usedlines have limited options, and often relyfood and beverage product optionsour diverse group of industries. Creating primarily in the spirits, wine, and the foodon imports from Europe and China.and beverage industry. available, especially within the winequality jobs for our residents is a top and spirits industry. The craft beer and Construction, which began in August 2019,We believe there is a large untappedwine markets have expanded, and thispriority for local officials.potential in the U.S. consumer market continues to move forward at a rapid pace.for glass containers, says Jos de Diegohas created the need for more specialty- BILL SLAUGHTERScheduled to be completed by October,Arozamena, CEO of Arglass Yamamura.bottles, which may require smaller Arglass officials anticipate production onOur goal is to help more food andquantities produced.the first sellable glass containers by the beverage producers choose glass asWhile the craft of glass manufacturing end of 2020.a healthy, safe, and environmentallyhas been in existence for centuries, the construction of a new facility is rare.36 SG MAGAZINE | WINTER 2020 BUSINESS + CULTURE 37'