An announcement by the Georgia Department of Economic Development on Thursday brought good news for Rabun County and Northeast Georgia.
ELK Group International, a premiere designer and importer of indoor and outdoor furniture, residential and commercial lighting fixtures and home décor, will create about 100 jobs in a new Rabun Gap distribution center, according to the announcement from GDEcD.
“Georgia is proud to welcome this second ELK Group facility to our state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson in a statement. “I have had the honor of meeting the company’s leadership team and toured their new location in Sylvania. ELK Group is a great fit for Rabun Gap and will bring jobs and opportunity to Northeast Georgia residents.”
The 510,000-square-foot Rabun Gap facility, leased in the Rabun County Business Park, will be ELK’s eighth U.S. location, the second in Georgia.
Headquartered in Nesquehoning, PA, ELK Group International will create new employment opportunities including positions in office and warehouse operations at the Rabun Gap location.
“Matching our needs with that of the local community was vital,” said ELK Group International Chief Operating Officer Todd Webb in a statement. “The Development Authority of Rabun County, Board of Commissioners, and the State of Georgia were very supportive as we strived toward that goal. This location will support our continued expansion and aligns with our commitment to optimize distribution for our customer base while supporting the surrounding communities,”
Rabun County officials had positive things to say about the selection of Rabun Gap for the state's second ELK Group distribution center.
“We are thrilled that Elk Group International has chosen Rabun County as the site of its newest distribution center,” said Rabun County Commission Chairman Greg James. “The Rabun Business Park appears to be an ideal fit for their needs, and we look forward to helping them get up and running in the coming months.”
GDEcD Project Manager Tammy Caudell represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Development Authority of Rabun County.
Founded in 1983, the company distributes more than 20,000 products under the brand names of ELK Lighting, Dimond Lighting, Stein World, Dimond Home, GuildMaster, Sterling, Thomas Lighting, Lamp Works, Pomeroy, Mirror Masters, Ryvyr, and ELK Hospitality. Products are available through a network of fine lighting and furniture showrooms, electrical wholesale distributors, department stores and specialty home improvement centers throughout the world.
