by T.A. DeFeo

 

A Texas-based millwork manufacturer plans to spend millions on a new facility outside Athens, and Georgia taxpayers will cover the cost of workforce training.

San Antonio-based Steves & Sons plans to invest more than $100 million over the next three years on a new 310,000-square-foot facility in Jackson County. It plans to produce molded door skins annually for new housing construction, repair and remodeling. According to a release, the company will create 170 jobs as part of the project.

The state included Georgia Quick Start workforce training, which provides “customized, job-specific training,” as an incentive for the company.

“The only discretionary incentive involved in this project is Georgia Quick Start, which will provide training support valued at approximately $664,870,” a Georgia Department of Economic Development rep told The Center Square.

In a release, Scott Martin, chairman of the Jackson County Industrial Development Authority, said local officials “have worked long and hard to make Jackson County a place where both businesses and people want to be, and Steve & Sons’ decision to locate in Jackson County is proof of that.”

In December, Steves & Sons announced a new facility in Ashburn with plans to create 200 jobs.

“Georgia has proven to be extremely helpful to Steves for our long-term manufacturing and distribution needs,” Edward Steves, CEO of Steves & Sons, said in a release.

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T.A. DeFeo is a contributor to The Center Square. 
Photo “Steves & Sons” by Steves & Sons.