2023 Year-in-Review: Valdosta-Lowndes County Keeps on Building

January 16, 2024

2023 Year-in-Review: Valdosta-Lowndes County Keeps on Building

As we start a new year, we proudly look back at 2023. Last year, the Valdosta Lowndes County Development Authority worked on projects that added 460 jobs and injected $390 million in capital investments into the local and regional economy. 

On October 11, Gov. Brian Kemp announced multinational retailer Walmart would establish a dairy processing facility in Valdosta. Projected to be operational by 2025, Walmart's new facility will create 390 above-average paying jobs and significantly boost the state's agricultural industry as the company plans to source ingredients throughout the region.

After considering numerous communities in the Southeast, Prinsco selected Valdosta as the site for its new facility to manufacture corrugated high-density polyethylene and polypropylene pipes. The 74,000-square-foot facility will be completed later this year, and the company expects to create 40 jobs.

Along with recruiting businesses, the Development Authority continues to work with existing industries on facility expansion, installation of advanced machinery, and solutions to increase storage and production capacity. 

Last year, CJB Industries expanded its Gil Harbin formulation plant to increase the production of herbicides, plant growth regulators, industrial products in bulk, and packaged finished goods. The Valdosta-based company's second expansion included lab, office, and warehouse upgrades. 

While 2023 was a robust year, looking at our community's multi-year economic surge provides a broader picture. In the past four years (2020-2023), Valdosta, Lowndes County, acquired nine new industries, including GAF, Bimbo QSR, and Arglass, plus 28 existing industry expansions. 

These investments have resulted in 1,150 new jobs and over $742.3 million in capital investments. This economic growth drives our community's strong workforce, quality of life, and business-friendly environment. 

Another part of our continued economic success is the Development Authority's focus on workforce development, including sponsoring the Wired for Workforce program with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and industry tours for local students and teachers.

I appreciate the Development Authority staff and the board for providing resources and support that make Valdosta, Lowndes County, an economic showcase. 

The Development Authority is proud to have partners that help secure job growth and recruit capital investment. These collaborations include the City of Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia Department of Economic Development Global Commerce, multiple state agencies, higher education institutions, Georgia Power, and various utility companies.

Thanks to all of our community and statewide partners, Valdosta, Lowndes County is poised to prosper in 2024 and beyond. 

Andrea Schruijer
Executive Director
Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority