Jan 17, 2025 Governor Kemp to Reinforce Economic Partnerships in Germany and Poland

ATLANTA - January 17, 2025 - Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced he will lead an international mission to Europe to strengthen existing economic and cultural ties in Germany and Poland while also developing new relationships that will bring further opportunities to hardworking Georgians.

"Over the last six years, international companies have invested over $38 billion in Georgia, creating more than 58,000 new opportunities for Georgians in every corner of the state, with communities outside of metro Atlanta attracting over 80% of those jobs," said Governor Brian Kemp. "Georgia's partnership with Germany has been instrumental in our economic success, as they are one of our largest trade partners and a major contributor to job creation and investment in our state. As we prepare to return money to Georgia taxpayers and invest in key areas like public safety and education, this mission is an opportunity to reinforce that collaboration while also opening dialogues with an emerging market, ensuring a brighter future for all Georgians."

The Governor, as well as representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), will conduct meetings with firms already operating or under construction in Georgia, as well as attend diplomatic and relationship-building opportunities. Notable German companies already employing hardworking Georgians and on the itinerary include BASF, Gerresheimer, Carcoustics, KIRCHHOFF Automotive, and GEDIA Automotive Group.

"German companies excel in industries like life sciences and automotive manufacturing, and Georgia serves as a strategic gateway for them and other European businesses entering the U.S. market," said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. "Over the past two decades, German automotive firms alone have contributed approximately 2,200 jobs and $830 million in investments to Georgia communities. The growth of life sciences companies like Gerresheimer demonstrate how international businesses become integral to our state's economy. Additionally, exploring emerging markets such as Poland allows Georgia to stay ahead of global trends, build new partnerships, and support local companies seeking to expand internationally."

Germany-Georgia Connection at a Glance

The State of Georgia has had continuous representation in Europe since 1973. Germany is the fourth largest export and import market for the State of Georgia, with more than $12.8 billion in total trade moving between Georgia's global gateways and Germany in 2023. German companies have invested more than $3.9 billion in Georgia since 2010 through projects with state involvement. An estimated 650 German-owned facilities support approximately 42,000 jobs for hardworking Georgians across the state, and Georgia-based companies such as Alimera Sciences, Bridgestone Golf, Delta Air Lines, Eversheds Sutherland, Graphic Packaging Holding, Novelis, Porex Corporation, WestRock, and more maintain operations in Germany.

Current Germany Itinerary:

BASF: BASF's manufacturing presence in Georgia includes operations in Attapulgus, Edgar, and Savannah.

Gerresheimer: Gerresheimer first established a production facility in Peachtree City in 1993 and expanded in 2009 with the establishment of a Technical Competence Center (TCC). The company announced additional expansions in Georgia in December 2023 and May 2024.

Carcoustics: In 2017, the company established Carcoustics USA South Inc. in Buford, Georgia, including a central research center and a manufacturing presence.

KIRCHHOFF Automotive: KIRCHHOFF Automotive opened an assembly facility in Lawrenceville in 2023.

GEDIA Automotive Group: In 2020, GEDIA Automotive Group announced an advanced manufacturing facility that will begin production with a focus on parts for electric vehicles in the greater Dalton area.

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