Area Development
Singapore-based biotechnology company RWDC Industries will invest $260 million to expand its operations into a 400,000 square foot facility in Athens, Georgia. The project is expected to create 200 jobs in Clarke County.

Founded in an innovation lab at the University of Georgia in 2015, RWDC Industries has emerged as a global leader in developing cost-effective alternatives to single-use plastics. The company continues to invest in domestic operations in Georgia while expanding its international footprint from Singapore.

Based in Singapore and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including polyhydroxylalkanoate. PHA is fully biodegradable and can be used as a substitute for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods, from straws to utensils to cups and plates to lids. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet.

“We are grateful for the support of our local community and are incredibly excited to expand our team here in Athens-Clarke County. Governor Kemp and Commissioner Wilson have been key advocates for RWDC from the very beginning,” said Athens-based RWDC industries co-founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Carraway. “RWDC is proud to have the support of the people of Georgia as we continue our mission toward solving the global single-use plastic crisis.”

“We are excited to see RWDC expand its operations in Athens and add a substantial number of new well-paying jobs,” said Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz. “Athens is the home of the University of Georgia, and we have a long record of supporting innovation and industry. Like communities across America and the world, we want to see a reduction in plastic pollution, and we have high hopes that RWDC, with the help of the Athens community at their new facility, will be able to solve that problem.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Assistant Director Hank Evans represented the Global Commerce division on this project in partnership with Athens-Clarke County and Electric Cities of Georgia.

“We are thrilled that an innovative company, such as RWDC Industries continues to grow and invest in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We also want to thank our local economic development partners in Athens-Clarke County who supported this project, enabling RWDC to further create unique investment and career opportunities for our state.”

“RWDC Industries is a perfect example of Georgians’ creative approach to solving problems and finding great success, thanks in part to state resources like our public university system,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “It’s great to see a Georgia company continue to find ways to make a difference and create innovative opportunities for hardworking Georgians.”