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Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Hailo USA, a division of the Haiger, Germany-based Hailo GmbH & Co.KG, will open its headquarters and a wind turbine component manufacturing facility in Elberton. Hailo USA produces climbing and service lift systems, platforms, railings, shieldings, doors and other mechanical components for wind turbine towers. The company will invest $10 million and create 200 new jobs over five years.
“Hailo USA’s decision to locate its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Georgia illustrates how our workforce, logistics infrastructure, business climate and other assets make Georgia one of the best places nationwide for business,” Deal said. “The significant number of jobs Hailo is creating will have an immediate impact in Elbert County and throughout that region. I am glad to welcome Hailo USA to Georgia.”
Hailo USA will produce customized mechanical tower internals such as climbing and service lift systems, platforms, railings and mounting brackets for wind towers constructed by the leading turbine manufacturer in the United States. In its move to Georgia, the company is expanding and adding production capacity to meet the growing needs of its customers in the wind energy industry. Hailo is also a supplier to more than 25 original equipment manufacturers, and has a product portfolio that includes ladder and fall arrest systems, service lifts, platforms, railings and staircases among other products. The company’s presence in Georgia enhances the state’s visibility in the supply chain for the wind energy sector.
“We are excited to announce that Hailo has chosen Elberton as the company’s new headquarters. We carefully reviewed different states and counties and found that this area fulfills all the business and social criteria that Hailo has set as the company’ global standard in order to support the future growth of the company,” said Hailo USA CEO Steffen Kosir. “Additionally I am proud to announce that my executive management will relocate with the company. This action speaks volumes for the company as well as the area.”
Elbert County became one of Georgia’s Certified Work Ready Communities of Excellence in December 2009. This community is home to a highly skilled pool of talent for operations such as the Hailo USA manufacturing operation, which will facilitate the company’s efforts to staff its local workforce. The Georgia Work Ready program works with counties throughout Georgia to ensure that the state’s workforce remains a primary competitive advantage.
“It is energizing to have a company of the caliber of Hailo join our business community,” said Elberton Mayor Larry Guest. “We look forward to watching its unique product being manufactured right here in Elberton for many years to come.”
In addition to the availability of its skilled workforce, Elberton was selected as the new home for Hailo USA for its proximity to the company’s domestic supply chain and Georgia’s international seaports, educational resources, business climate and favorable quality of life.
“Hailo is a welcome addition to Elbert County,” said Elbert County Commission Chairman Tommy Lyon. “It brings a desired investment to the community and it is a wonderful opportunity for our workforce.”
Quick Start, the nation’s No. 1 workforce training program, was included among the deciding factors for Hailo’s decision to do business in Georgia. The company will use Quick Start to provide specialized custom training in welding, assembly and quality systems for the new hires at the Elberton facility. Quick Start provides customized training free of charge to qualified new, expanding and existing companies creating jobs in Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) partnered with the Development Authority of Elbert County to bring the Hailo USA headquarters and manufacturing operation to Georgia. GDEcD International Project Manager Jim Blair managed this project on behalf of the state.
“Hailo USA has some appealing opportunities both for Georgia’s manufacturing and alternative energy sectors,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “The jobs being created will also be a real benefit to this region that has been particularly hard hit by the economic downturn. We welcome Hailo to Georgia’s growing list of international businesses, and look forward to the company’s success in our state.”
About Hailo USA
Hailo USA is a division of Hailo GmbH & Co.KG, a mid-sized family owned company based in Haiger, Germany, and is a leading brand in Europe for aluminum household and DIY ladder systems as well as waste solution systems. Founded in 1947, Hailo has manufacturing operations in Germany, France, India, Hungary, China, Brazil and the United States. Hailo USA was established in 2000 in Holbrook, N.Y, and today supplies more than 25 OEMs. www.hailo.us and www.hailo.com
