Georgia is Made in Manufacturing

Data Centers are hot, but Georgia is Made for Manufacturing

In recent years, Georgia has emerged as one of the nation’s leading destinations for data centers. From Atlanta’s booming technology corridor to rural communities attracting hyperscale projects, the state’s reliable power, business-friendly climate, and connectivity have made it a magnet for investment.

But while data centers are making headlines, it’s manufacturing that continues to drive Georgia’s economy — and that isn’t changing anytime soon.

Georgia’s manufacturing roots run deep, with industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to food processing and supplier materials. Today, nearly half a million Georgians are employed in manufacturing, contributing billions in wages and fueling the state’s export strength.

Global companies like Kia, Hyundai, SK Battery America, and Gulfsteam anchor the state’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem, while a thriving network of small and mid-sized manufacturers ensures that innovation and supply chains remain strong. Georgia also ranks among the top states for food production, with global brands like Coca-Cola, Flowers Food, and Chick-fil-A maintaining strong homegrown ties.

The Value Beyond Jobs

More than employment, each facility represents a network of suppliers, logistics partners, and professional services that multiply its economic impact across communities. Manufacturers bring long-term workforce opportunities, training pipelines, and community investment.

Technical colleges and workforce programs partner closely with advanced manufacturing facilities that locate within the state to ensure a steady pipeline of talent. Initiatives like Georgia Quick Start, recognized as one of the nation’s top workforce training programs, make it possible for companies to hire and train skilled employees quickly and efficiently.

Two workers stand beside a vehicle in a production center

Georgia is Built for Manufacturing

When it comes to sustaining long-term growth, manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s foundation. The sector’s diversity — spanning automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and consumer goods — provides stability that is less vulnerable to the swings of global technology cycles.

Georgia’s continued dominance in manufacturing is no accident. Companies choose the state for a few main reasons:

Strategic Location: Access to the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, the growing Port of Savannah, and interstate and rail connections reaching 80% of U.S. markets within a two-day drive.
Workforce Pipeline: Georgia Quick Start and a thriving technical college system provide training aligned with industry needs.
Business Climate: For twelve consecutive years, Georgia has been named the No. 1 state for doing business thanks to low taxes, streamlined regulations, and competitive incentives.
Energy Reliability: A diverse, resilient energy mix along with a constructive regulatory environment powers industries large and small, with dedicated utility partners ensuring reliable supply at competitive costs.

The Future: Manufacturing + Innovation

As the global economy shifts, Georgia is proving that manufacturing and data centers are not competitors, but complements. Data centers support the digital backbone that manufacturers increasingly rely on for automation, analytics, and supply chain management. Meanwhile, manufacturing provides the steady jobs and community investments that define Georgia’s economy.

For all the buzz surrounding cloud computing and big data, Georgia’s story is clear: manufacturing isn’t just part of our history — it’s the heart of our future.