PENDERGRASS — Another large industrial bet just landed on Jackson County’s map.
FOX 5 Atlanta reported Monday that Gov. Brian Kemp announced Siemens will invest at least $185 million in a new advanced manufacturing facility in Pendergrass, with the project expected to create more than 1,400 jobs in Jackson County over the next three years. The plant is described as roughly 550,000 square feet at 580 Raco Parkway SE, producing low-voltage electrical components. Buildout is set to start this November, with hiring for engineering, fabrication, assembly, and testing roles planned to begin in 2027, pending final approvals.
Why Georgia again
Siemens already supports more than 1,700 workers in Georgia across six offices and two plants, including the Peachtree Corners Electrical Products facility, per the station’s summary of company and state statements. Barry Powell, North America president of Siemens Electrical Products, pointed to Georgia’s business climate, skilled workforce, and proximity to existing Southeast operations and supply chains — standard site-selection language that still matters when a company already has plants in-state.
Kemp framed the decision as continuity with a long German-Georgia industrial relationship. Georgia Department of Economic Development officials said state leaders visited Siemens headquarters in Munich in 2025 as part of the relationship work. Local partners named in the announcement chain include the Jackson County Area Chamber, Jackson County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start.
What Jackson County gets — and what is still open
Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Marty Clark called the project a chance to expand the local manufacturing base and workforce options. That is the local economic-development case: large private investment, multi-year hiring, and supplier spillover if the plant hits its job targets.
What officials have not locked publicly, per FOX 5’s “what we don’t know” block:
- Exact 2027 hiring open date
- Full construction completion schedule beyond the November buildout start
Those gaps matter for apartment builders, school planners, and reverse-commuters watching GA-85 / I-85 corridor traffic. Announced jobs are not yet filled badges.
How to read the number
“At least $185 million” and “more than 1,400 jobs over three years” are announcement figures conditioned on final approvals. Treat them as the public commitment package, then watch permitting, vertical construction photos, and actual job postings in 2027 for proof of delivery. Metro Atlanta’s industrial map keeps adding large footprints north and northeast of the city; Pendergrass is the latest named pin.
Source note
This brief is anchored in FOX 5 Atlanta’s Aug. 10, 2026 report citing Gov. Kemp’s announcement and statements from Siemens North America, Jackson County commissioners, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (investment floor, job target, square footage, address, product line, November buildout, 2027 hiring window, existing Georgia footprint, Munich visit). WACN 21 will note hiring or groundbreaking dates when the company or county posts them.
