The only undeveloped exit between Atlanta and Greenville, S.C., on Interstate 85 soon will be home to a new industry in Banks County.
Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced today that RAI Industrial Fabricators, LLC will build a new state-of-the-art steel fabrication facility, creating 30 new jobs and investing $20 million on Martin Bridge.
“Georgia’s manufacturing industry has seen many wins in recent years, and we are proud that RAI is expanding their already successful operation into Martin Bridge,” Kemp said. “As the Top State for Business, our skilled workforce has received national recognition, and I am confident that it will meet the company’s needs as they create exciting, new opportunities for hardworking Georgians in Banks County.”
Headquartered in Athens, RAI Industrial Fabricators is seeking to meet the needs of a growing client base and provide more services and products for its customers. The new facility will double the capacity of their existing operation in Athens in anticipation of future growth.
“We are excited about expanding RAI Industrial Fabricators with a new location at Martin Bridge in Banks County,” says Mark Christopherson, president of RAI Industrial Fabricators. “Site selection began over a year ago and quickly narrowed to this area along the I-85 corridor. Martin Bridge is ideally located to accommodate our growth among regional clients across the Southeast."
RAI will be hiring welders, fabricators, machine operators, detailers, material handlers, project managers, coating specialists, and quality controllers at the new facility at the Martin Bridge exit, the only undeveloped exit on I-85.
“The Development Authority of Banks County is proud to have worked alongside RAI Industrial Fabricators to expand their growing business into our wonderful community,” said Hannah Mullins, executive director for the Development Authority of Banks County. “This deal not only provides gainful employment and capital investment for Banks County, but also serves as the catalyst for long-awaited trade at the Martin Bridge interchange on I-85. Highly anticipated for decades, all four quadrants of this intersection are investor-owned, with some investments dating as far back as the 1970s. Martin Bridge will become the most sought-after Northeast Georgia trade area between Atlanta and Greenville, S.C. Banks County is truly fortunate to have landed such a community-minded partner in RAI Industrial Fabricators.”
Banks County Commission Chairman Jimmy Hooper also touted the project announcement.
“The Banks County Board of Commissioners is excited to see the location of a business such as RAI Industrial Fabricators at the Martin Bridge exit,” Hooper said. “We anticipate many more quality employment opportunities and an increased tax base for our citizens.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Senior Project Manager Tammy Caudell represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Development Authority of Banks County, the Banks County Board of Commissioners, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Power, and Jackson EMC.
“We want to congratulate RAI Industrial Fabricators on this exciting expansion,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This announcement speaks to the strength of Georgia’s booming manufacturing industry, and we look forward to watching RAI’s continued success in the years to come.”
About RAI Industrial Fabricators LLC
RAI Industrial Fabricators LLC is an AISC certified full-service fabricator and erector of structural, miscellaneous, stainless and other custom designed metals to industrial and commercial markets throughout the Southeast. Visit rai-steel.com for more information.
