New Milledgeville manufacturing plant to create 1,000 jobs

MACON (TNS) — A manufacturing company plans to move into a vacant building in Milledgeville and expects to create more than 1,000 jobs.

Sparta Industries, a manufacturer of HVAC duct liner insulation, is opening a new plant in the former Rheem Manufacturing building. The venture represents a capital investment of $22.5 million during the next five years, according to a news release from Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal’s office.

“Georgia’s pro-business climate, highly-skilled workforce and manufacturing infrastructure continue to attract innovative manufacturers like Sparta Industries,” Deal said in the release. “This Milledgeville facility will bolster the company’s growth and further demonstrate why Georgia is a top destination for job creators.”

Sparta Industries manufactures foam insulation for the commercial building industry using a zero emission process, the release said.

The company will hire plant and warehouse operation, supervision and maintenance personnel at the new facility. The company will also be hiring for sales and administrative positions. The release did not state when or how potential employees could apply for those jobs.

“We look forward to working closely with the community,” Sparta Industries Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Meighan said in the release. “Together we can make a well-deserved economic impact on Milledgeville and the surrounding areas.”

Rheem Manufacturing closed in 2009 during the economic downturn. At the time, Rheem — also an HVAC plant — had about 800 permanent employees and 400 seasonal workers. The building remained vacant until Sparta Industries agreed to purchase the property.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to get someone back to work in this building,” Chat Daniel, chairman of the Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County, said in the release. “We are optimistic about a great future and partnership with Sparta Industries. This community is ready to assist them as they get up and running.”

Sparta Industries founder and board chairman Walter Sommerman has overseen the construction of 32 plants, 24 of which are located in the U.S. Each of the 32 plants has been profitable since inception.