Baxter International, a diversified health care company, will build a $1-billion bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, east of Atlanta, with plans to employ more than 1,500 workers.

Baxter's new Georgia facility will manufacture plasma-based therapies that treat chronic and life-threatening illnesses. The new facility will be located in Stanton Springs, a business park that spans Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton counties. The operation will also include warehouse and distribution facilities. Baxter also plans to open plasma centers throughout the state.

"The manufacture of high-quality biologic medicines is critical for serving the needs of patients around the world. We're pleased to partner with the people of Georgia to support Baxter's core mission of saving and sustaining lives," said Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Baxter.

He explained plasma protein fractionation, the process of separating plasma into its components, is a $14 billion industry that supplies products to more than one million patients each year. Baxter is among the world's leading plasma producers.

"Baxter's decision to come to Georgia marks a new era in the growth of our biosciences industry and will have far-reaching impact on our economy," said Gov. Nathan Deal. "We are honored to welcome this flagship company to Georgia and proud that our state's vast resources for the biomedical field will assist the company with the groundbreaking medical advances it is renowned for."

Among several incentives offered to the firm, Georgia Quick Start will build and operate a state-of-the-art biotech training center that will provide Baxter with a customized training program to meet the company's start-up needs. The state will also join with the Technical College System of Georgia to maintain a pipeline of employees trained in bio-manufacturing operations. In addition the state will assist the company in recruiting workers. The firm is also eligible for millions of dollars state grants as well as sales tax reductions and tax abatements based on job creation.

State economic development said Stanton Springs is a Guaranteed Ready for Accelerated Development site, certified as shovel-ready and available for rapid industrial development.