Area Development
Belgian-based pharmaceutical firm UCB, a company that produces medicines to treat neurological diseases, will invest $47.5 million to expand its 47-acre U.S. headquarters campus in Smyrna, Georgia. The project is expected to create 100 associates in Cobb County.

“Our long-term commitment to creating jobs and doing our share to contribute to the growth of Georgia’s economy is only superseded by our long-term commitment to the economy right here in Cobb County and, specifically, in the City of Smyrna,” UCB President of U.S. operations Duane Barnes wrote to Community Development Director Rusty Martin.

At a City Council meeting, reported by Global Atlanta, Martin said building plans were currently being reviewed for the first phase, an investment of $23.5 million to repurpose an existing building and add a new parking area. That would create 60,000 square feet of space for 100 new workers. After completion, the company would employ 500 people with an average income of $100,000 per year.

Building plans are under review, the publication said. Upon approval, construction could start this summer and would take about 18 months. Phases Two and Three are expected to add $24 million more in construction expenditures, though no timeline has been announced yet for this expansion.

Smyrna City Council approved a waiver of $180,950 in building permit and recordingcfees associated with the first phase of the project.