Ritz Instrument Transformers, a leading German manufacturer specializing in high-voltage instrument transformers for the utility and original equipment manufacturing (OEM) sectors, is set to expand its presence in Georgia with a $28 million investment in a new facility in Waynesboro. This expansion is expected to create 130 new jobs.

Governor Brian Kemp announced the development on Tuesday from Italy, where he is leading a trade mission. "We've worked hard to bring opportunities like this to rural Georgia," Kemp stated. "We're proud this project adds even more jobs to one of those target areas following our face-to-face meeting with Ritz during our travel to Germany in 2023."

Ritz, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, currently operates two plants in Georgia. The new Waynesboro facility will replace a temporary plant in Burke County, which currently employs 30 people who will transfer to the new location. The company also operates a plant in Lavonia, which opened in 2010.

Scott Flowers, CEO and General Manager of Ritz USA, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating, "The investment in a new state-of-the-art factory for high-voltage instrument transformers in Waynesboro marks the single-largest investment to date for the Ritz Group and illustrates the commitment of the company to the North American market. The availability of a well-trained workforce and the support extended by Burke County and the state of Georgia made Waynesboro the obvious choice for Ritz."

The Georgia Department of Economic Development collaborated on the project with the Development Authority of Burke County and the state agency's Europe office.

Source: capitol-beat.org