WEB EXCLUSIVE
Rath Chooses Georgia
Rath chooses Georgia for first North American operation Austria-based company to invest over $9 million in new Milledgeville facility.
The Rath Group, a family-owned brick and mortar manufacturing company with operations around the world, has chosen Milledgeville, in Baldwin County, for the site of its first North American facility. RATH Refractories, Inc. will invest over $9 million in the new plant, which will employ 20 people in the next two years.
"We are honored that this well-respected company, which dates back five generations, has selected a community in our state to advance its operations and legacy," said Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Craig Lesser. "The superb quality of life, excellent workforce and dynamic business climate Georgia is able to provide companies like Rath are all factors that work to our advantage."
The development authority for Milledgeville and Baldwin County officially welcomed Rath during a dinner Sept. 28 that also celebrated the community's existing industry. GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Chris Clark was the featured speaker.
The company plans to locate its new facility in a 41,000-square-foot industrial park building. The new plant, which will produce bricks for the ceramic industry and other applications, will begin operations February 1, 2006.
"Our company has evolved from a porcelain factory in 1891 to a sophisticated manufacturer of bricks, refractory castables and moldables, aluminum silica and aluminum oxide fibers, and insulating bricks, using the most advanced technological methods," said Dr. Ernst Rath, chief executive officer. "We believe Rath will flourish in Georgia and thank the state and local officials who have assisted us here."
"Our community is proud that Rath chose Milledgeville for its first North American location after realizing great success in Europe for over 150 years. The company diversifies the present industrial base, which is vitally important," said Angie Gheesling, executive director of the Development Authority of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. "The great partnership between our city and county governments, and the support of GDEcD and the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation all contributed to the success of this project. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Dr. Rath as he expands sales efforts in the U.S."
The Rath Group, based in Vienna, Austria, develops and produces refractory bricks and mortars, refractory castables and mastics, ceramic fiber products and aluminum silicate fibers. Through extensive research and development, the company has remained on the leading edge of technology in its industry. Rath has a presence in 11 locations in Europe, six in Asia, four in the Middle East and one in Australia.
