Macon lands 600 jobs in $418M industry expansion

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First Quality Baby Products plans to add 600 jobs in a $418 million expansion of its plant on Avondale Mill Road.

Credit: Liz Fabian/Macon Newsroom

Earth movers are making way for a major expansion that will bring 600 new jobs to First Quality Baby Products near Middle Georgia Regional Airport. 

Thursday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced the $418 million investment that he attributed to the state’s “consistent and reliable business-friendly environment.” 

Allen Bodford, President of First Quality’s Absorbent Hygiene Division, said the new building adjacent to 2108 Avondale Mill Road will increase the company’s baby diaper and training pant manufacturing capacity by 50%.

The company’s application for an air quality permit from Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division indicated the company plans to add eight production lines and two reclamation lines.  

First Quality already employs more than 580 people working in more than a million square feet of space in Macon, according to its website.

“This expansion is a testament to First Quality’s innovative products and continuing commitment to the baby diaper market,” Bodford said in the release. “We also express our deep appreciation to our dedicated team in Macon for their tireless devotion to First Quality.” 

The company plans to hire executive, administrative, supervisory and production positions that eventually will be posted on its website, firstquality.com. 

Bodford credited Kemp, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority for their continued support. 

The governor said more than 70% of Georgia’s economic development projects last year involved existing companies investing in expansions. 

“That’s a testament to the long-term partnerships we build that continue to pay dividends for communities in every corner of the state,” Kemp stated in the release. 

This story comes to GPB through a partnership with the Macon Newsroom.