ATL Standard

Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp announced today their upcoming international mission to Italy aimed at reinforcing economic partnerships and creating new opportunities for Georgians.

“For decades, Georgia has enjoyed close economic and cultural ties to Italy,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Marty and I look forward to building on that foundation of success during this trip and bringing our message of the Georgia Way to job creators looking to locate or potentially expand operations in the No. 1 state for business.”

Accompanying them will be representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). The delegation plans to meet with several Italian companies currently operating or constructing facilities in Georgia. These companies include La Regina di San Marzano, Beretta, Elemaster, Pirelli, Luxottica, TMC Transformers, Aquafil, Epta, and MAPEI Group. The last such mission was led by Governor Nathan Deal in 2017.

The State of Georgia has maintained a continuous presence in Europe since 1973. Italy is among the top 15 trade partners for Georgia, with $3.4 billion in total trade between the two regions in 2023. Additionally, Italian companies have invested over $411 million in Georgia since 2010 through various projects.

La Regina di San Marzano announced its first U.S. processing facility in Alma, Georgia, creating 250 jobs with a $20 million investment. Beretta Holding S.A., an international manufacturer of firearms and outdoor sports products founded in 1526, operates a facility in Chatham County.

Elemaster U.S., headquartered in Duluth since 1978, manufactures printed circuit board assemblies and turn-key products for multiple sectors including rail and medical industries. Pirelli relocated its U.S. headquarters to Rome, Georgia in 2002 and expanded its facility with a $15 million investment.

Luxottica opened its Henry County location in 1996 and expanded it significantly by adding 1,000 jobs in March 2017 along with a $78 million investment. TMC Transformers established its U.S. headquarters in Waynesboro in 2023.

Aquafil USA Inc., based in Cartersville since 1999, employs around 270 people across two plants that produce fibers used globally for carpets and textiles. Epta Group’s Kysor Warren Epta US Corp is headquartered in Columbus where it manufactures refrigeration systems; they announced a $27 million investment creating 200 jobs.

MAPEI Group maintains multiple facilities across Georgia for manufacturing chemical products for the building industry as well as R&D and training centers.