Israel-based Caesarstone Sdot Yam, Ltd., a manufacturer of high-quality engineered quartz surfaces, selected Richmond Hill, Georgia, as the location for its U.S.-based manufacturing plant. Its new facility represents a $70-100 million investment that is expected to create 180 jobs in Bryan County.

Yos Shiran, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer said, “We are excited, after a careful site selection process, to have found the right combination of a highly skilled workforce, a strong logistics infrastructure and a welcoming state, county and city. Our planned state-of-the-art facility will support our business and competitive position throughout North America, which has quickly become both our largest and fastest-growing region around the globe. We look forward to a long and very fruitful partnership with Georgia and Bryan County.” Caesarstone will import raw materials for manufacturing and export finished products through Georgia’s ports.

“It’s an honor to host Caesarstone’s continued global growth and success. Georgia’s outreach to the international business community and strong capabilities, including the fourth-largest and fastest-growing port in the United States, have attracted this very significant investment,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “Caesarstone brings jobs and economic growth to the region, and we look forward to bringing to bear the logistics, workforce and other resources that will help it succeed.”

The Development Authority of Bryan County was a key partner in the project. “We are very excited that Caesarstone has chosen Belfast Commerce Centre in Richmond Hill as the ideal location for its first U.S. manufacturing site,” said Steve Croy, Chairman of the Development Authority of Bryan County. “Caesarstone’s decision, coupled with the fact that the Centre has recently been singled out by other companies for special recognition, gives us a very bullish outlook for the park. We thank our partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, City of Richmond Hill, Bryan County and TerraPointe Services for their teamwork in helping introduce Caesarstone to our community.”

“Georgia has deep experience supporting international businesses from many countries, including Israel, in selecting excellent locations and resources that enable their success,” said Chris Carr, Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “At a time when many other states have curtailed similar efforts, we can show the results of a consistent program of investment in, and outreach through, our international offices. They are the keystone to our success in global commerce.”