Two major Chinese manufacturers are expected to grow operations in metro-Atlanta and collectively add more than 200 jobs over the next decade.
Tech-Long USA, a supplier of beverage packaging and technology, and Linhai Powersports USA, a manufacturer of motor-sports products such as the ATV and motor scooter, now join a list of over 600 international companies that reside in Gwinnett County.
Founded in 1999 as a subsidiary of China-based Guangzhou Tech-Long Packaging Machinery Co., Tech-Long supplies over 40 multinational corporations, including Coca Cola Co., Pepsi-Cola Co. and Nestlé, and operates in 110 countries.
The beverage-tech company plans to invest $5 million in its 25,000 square-foot facility in Duluth, which will function as its Center of Parts & Service Excellence for the Americas and provide a manufacturing base for future expansion into the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. The new location marks Tech-Long’s first East Coast operation in the states.
Linhai Powersports began in 1956 under the Chinese small-engine and power machinery behemoth, Jiangsu LINHAI Group. At roughly 6,000 square feet, the Norcross facility will serve as Linhai’s U.S. headquarters and distribution center for the company’s full line of recreational vehicles.
Both companies announced developments during a visit to their global headquarters by members of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, who are on a 12-day trade mission to China and South Korea that focuses on attracting Asian investment to Gwinnett County.
In Fuzhou, delegates from the chamber stopped by LifeArt Cabinetry, an international producer of ready-to-assemble, custom cabinets, which launched its nearly 100,000 square-foot U.S. headquarters in Gwinnett County. The company said it has experienced significant business growth since it established the Norcross headquarters last year.
Nick Masino, senior vice president economic development at the Gwinnett chamber, who traveled east as part of the trade initiative, called Gwinnett County a “strong draw” for companies like Tech-Long, Linhai and LifeArt Cabinetry that look to tap into Atlanta’s extensive manufacturing network.
“It’s another example of community attracting diverse companies from around the world as a place where they can invest and grow.” Mr. Masino said in a press release earlier this week, regarding the announcement from Tech-Long.
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Carr, who this month led a coinciding trade mission to east Asia, praised the Gwinnett chamber for its transnational efforts.
Two more international Asian companies are to announce incoming foreign investment projects to Georgia during the remainder of the Gwinnett delegation’s ongoing trip. The Gwinnett chamber estimates about 2,000 net new jobs for the county will have been announced by the end of the year.