Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Nichiha Corporation, a global manufacturer of fiber cement products, will create 74 jobs and invest $120 million in an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Macon-Bibb County. New jobs will include positions in management and operations.
 
“Georgia’s solid economic growth is due in part to our strong partnerships and consistent collaboration with industry leaders around the world,” said Deal. “Nichiha is a valued member of Georgia’s business community and an asset to our manufacturing industry. By expanding operations in Macon-Bibb County, the company will utilize our strategic manufacturing resources and continue to hire from our deep talent pool to build upon its success in the Southeastern market and beyond. We appreciate Nichiha’s investment in Macon-Bibb County and look forward to the company’s future growth and success in Georgia.”
 
Nichiha specializes in fiber cement products designed for interior and exterior, commercial and residential applications. Headquartered in Japan, Nichiha has more than 13 facilities worldwide.
 
“Georgia has been our home for more than 20 years and we’ve had a presence in Macon for 11 years,” said Yoichi Ichimura, CEO of Nichiha. “The success we’ve had in the U.S. market, particularly in the southeastern region of the country, has been particularly gratifying. We are so pleased to be expanding our manufacturing in Macon and creating more jobs and economic benefits for the area. We look forward to many years of mutual success.”
 
Nichiha has had operations in the U.S. since 1998. In 2008, Nichiha established the Macon plant, its first U.S. manufacturing facility.
 
“I am delighted that one of our current industrial partners, Nichiha USA, is growing its operations here by expanding its current facility,” said City of Macon Mayor Robert Reichert. “We are increasingly becoming a stronger and stronger hub of industry, jobs, and good living in Georgia and the Southeast, and people and businesses internationally are taking note of what we have to offer.”
 
Georgia Department of Economic Development Project Manager Tony Greene represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and Georgia Power.
 
“To say we’re excited about Nichiha growing its employment opportunities by three quarters and adding nearly $3 million to the local payroll is an understatement,” said Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Chairman Robert E. Fountain Jr. “By nearly doubling the size of their current plant with new construction, Nichiha is making investments into our community and region for goods and services, making this a major announcement for our entire area.”
 
“Georgia’s manufacturing sector is one of our strongest industries, and we are thrilled Nichiha continues to expand in Macon-Bibb County,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our international relationships continue to yield incredible results, and Macon is home to a highly skilled workforce that is sure to meet the needs of the company.”