Lighting company expanding in Ga., adding 700 jobs

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) -- The expansion of a Georgia-based lighting company is expected to create 700 jobs in DeKalb and Rockdale counties.<br /> <br /> Gov. Nathan Deal said in a statement Monday that Acuity Brands is investing $16 million into a new engineering and technology center and upgrades to its existing facilities. Deal says the company is expected to create the new jobs within the next five years.<br /> <br /> Officials say the company is planning to expand its site in Decatur and upgrade its complex in Conyers. The company is planning to retrofit an existing 167,000 square-foot building and use it as a new engineering and technology center.<br /> <br /> Acuity Brands Inc. employs roughly 7,000 people and is headquartered in Atlanta. Deal says the company's net sales were $2.4 billion in 2014.