The manufacturing sector in Bulloch County has proven to be a powerhouse of economic vitality, as revealed in a recent analysis by Georgia Southern’s Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (C-BEAR). Commissioned by the Development Authority of Bulloch County (DABC), the study highlights an impressive annual economic impact of over $1.17 billion in 2023. This monumental contribution not only underscores the significance of manufacturing to the local economy but also far surpasses the national averages, showcasing Bulloch County as a beacon of industrial success.
The analysis also revealed that the manufacturing sector supports over 4,000 jobs within the county, with workers earning an average annual salary of $56,339. This figure stands in stark contrast to the national average for manufacturing jobs, which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was around $50,000 in 2023. This higher local pay scale exemplifies the superior economic benefits that Bulloch County reaps from its robust manufacturing base.
“This study shows that our County’s manufacturing sector provides significant value to our citizens,” said Benjy Thompson, CEO of the DABC. “Our manufacturers invest a great amount of capital in their facilities and provide good-paying and well-benefitted jobs to our citizens. Due to our partnerships with the Bulloch County Commission, City of Statesboro, Bulloch County Schools, and our education and workforce partners, the DABC is proud to be involved in the recruitment and support of our County’s manufacturers.”
The analysis included input from major manufacturing employers such as Briggs & Stratton, Great Dane Trailers, and Cardinal Glass, as well as numerous small and large industrial businesses. The positive impact of these employers is expected to grow even further, with the DABC announcing five new manufacturing projects since 2022. These projects promise over 1,600 jobs and over $1 billion in capital investment, signaling a bright future for the county’s economic landscape.
In addition to job creation and economic output, the manufacturing sector also significantly contributes to local revenues. For instance, the Gateway Regional Industrial Park, which houses several manufacturing facilities and the Walmart Distribution Center, paid over $3.5 million in property taxes in 2023. This revenue supports essential local services and the education system, further enhancing the community’s quality of life.
On a national level, manufacturing remains a critical component of the U.S. economy, contributing around 11.39% to the GDP and supporting millions of jobs. However, the impact in Bulloch County is disproportionately higher, illustrating the county's strategic advantages and the effectiveness of local economic policies. With a labor pool of 130,000 and access to top-tier training programs like Georgia Quick Start, Bulloch County provides an ideal environment for manufacturing growth and success.
Thompson noted, “And, with additional industry partners coming online in the next few years, the impact of manufacturing on our County will certainly grow, providing more jobs and economic growth.”
The Development Authority of Bulloch County continues to champion this growth, fostering a thriving business environment since its establishment in 1983. For more information on the DABC and its initiatives, please visit advantagebulloch.com.
