(The Center Square) – Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli will add 1,000 jobs and invest $1.2 billion in Georgia as part of an agreement announced by Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday.
“This historic investment will expand Pirelli's footprint with roughly five times more positions than they currently employ across the region, and we wish them continued success here in the No. 1 state for business," Kemp said in a statement about the plant in Rome about 70 miles northwest of Atlanta.
The company employs 234 Georgians, according to Kemp.
“The U.S. is one of Pirelli’s most important markets and offers significant opportunities for growth,” said Claudio Zanardo, CEO of Pirelli North America in a statement. “The expansion of our Rome facility strengthens our ‘local for local’ strategy, increasing our manufacturing capacity in the U.S. while introducing the latest-generation technologies, such as the Cyber Tyre, and advanced robotics."
Kemp credited a 2024 trip to Italy with First Lady Marty Kemp for "laying the groundwork" for the investment.
Trade missions, such as the one to Italy, are included in the state budget, Jessica Atwell, communications manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, previously told The Center Square via email.
"These missions facilitate Georgia’s international connections that support thousands of jobs for Georgians through trade and investment," Atwell said. "Economic development missions include a mix of meetings with companies already invested in or interested in investing in Georgia as well as relationship-building opportunities that support connectivity between Georgia and key markets for exports."
Kemp was reimbursed $29,884.69 in fiscal year 2024 for travel with the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
When asked about state incentives, Atwell said the project is active and the company will work with QuickStart for customized workforce training.