Aware Custom Biometric Wearables Plans Valdosta, Georgia, Manufacturing Operations

Area Development News Desk

11/15/2026

Defense and healthcare technology company Aware Custom Biometric Wearables plans to establish operations in Valdosta, Georgia. The $1 million project is expected to create 100 jobs in Lowndes County.

The company's new 6,000-square-foot additive manufacturing facility, located at 1805-D Madison Highway, will serve as its production hub for the Aware Hearable and other custom-fit in-ear devices.

“We see a significant opportunity to build a defense, industrial, and an advanced additive manufacturing ecosystem in this region. Advanced additive manufacturing enables rural communities to drive American manufacturing,” said Aware Custom Biometric Wearables CEO and Founder Sam Kellett Jr. “This is more than a facility. It is a workforce pipeline for the next generation of American manufacturing, bringing high-skill technical jobs to South Georgia, strengthening the domestic defense supply chain, and advancing mission-critical technology that protects our warfighters, first responders, and industrial workers. Georgia knows how to help innovative companies scale, manufacture, and compete.”

Senior Regional Project Manager Andrea Taylor represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on the project in partnership with the City of Valdosta and Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority.

“Companies like Aware remind us that Georgia’s economic opportunity is not limited to our largest cities,” noted GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “With a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and committed local partners, communities like Lowndes County compete for high-value jobs and investment in some of the most innovative industries in the world. We’re proud to support Aware’s growth and the new opportunities this investment will create for South Georgia.”

Aware Custom Biometric Wearables specializes in custom-fit in-ear technology for hearing protection, communications and biometric monitoring applications. The company develops precision-engineered devices using patented, FDA-registered 3D ear-scanning technology and operates through its Aware Defense and Aware Industrial businesses.

“Aware demonstrates that the technologies developed by Georgia’s small businesses can improve lives and reach customers around the world,” added GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Misti Martin. “Georgia’s medical device industry is full of small business success stories where entrepreneurs are able to create a product, build a business, and then grow into multiple operations within the state. Congratulations to Aware and Valdosta-Lowndes County for taking this next step into a partnership that creates opportunities for Georgians.”

“Welcoming Aware Custom Biometric to Valdosta-Lowndes County is an exciting step forward for our community and our region’s economic future. This announcement represents more than new investment and high-skilled jobs, it strengthens our position as a destination for technology-driven industries that are advancing innovation in their fields,” said Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority President and CEO Niki Ogletree. “As companies continue to look for communities with the workforce, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to support cutting-edge operations, Valdosta-Lowndes County is proving we are ready to compete and grow in this next generation of industry.”

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