The Development Authority of Bryan County, the Israeli-based company Caesarstone and the Georgia Department of Economic Development have received the Eagle Star Deal of the Year Award from conexx: America Israel Business Connector.
The nonprofit organization helps bring mutual economic advances to Israel and the southeastern United States.
Caesarstone, which manufactures quartz surfaces marketed worldwide, will spend approximately $100 million to build their first U.S. plant with two production lines in Bryan County.
Yos Shiran, CEO of Caesarstone, said the company is pleased by the recognition.
“North America, specifically the United States, is our fastest growing market, and we look forward to opening our manufacturing facility in Richmond Hill and bringing Caesarstone’s products to the homes and hearts of America,” Shiran said. “We selected Belfast Commerce Centre for the quality of the workforce, the superior logistics infrastructure and the support we received from the community and state.”
The project was assisted by The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Development Authority of Bryan County. Caesarstone is expected to eventually create 180 jobs in Bryan County.
“This project was truly a collaborative effort between Caesarstone, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Power, the Development Authority of Bryan County, the city of Richmond Hill,
the Bryan County Board of Commissioners, and TerraPointe,” said Steve Croy, chairman of the development authority. “Caesarstone’s selection of Belfast Commerce Centre validates Bryan County as a desirable place for international companies to locate operations.”
Shai Robkin, president and CEO of conexx, said his organization is impressed when it sees government and private industry working together in a true spirit of partnership.
“Our Eagle Star Deal of the Year honored Bryan County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Israeli company Caesarstone for demonstrating how well everyone can pull in the same direction to overcome the many obstacles that often prevent deals of this nature from reaching fruition,” Robkin said.
The U.S. Caesarstone facility, at full build-out, will expand the company’s current production by 50 percent. Company officials said the first line will be in production by the second quarter of 2015, with the second production line to be operational by the fourth quarter.
About Caesarstone:
Caesarstone, founded and headquartered in Caesarea, Israel, manufactures custom quartz surfaces, using the latest technologies and innovative techniques to create the ideal surface for kitchens, vanities, floors and other interior surfaces for both residential and commercial buildings.
It offers more than 40 unique colors and textures available in more than 50 countries.
For more information, visit www.caesarstoneus.com.