Fenner Dunlop to build new Hart County manufacturing plant

ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2007 - The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced today that Fenner Dunlop Americas Inc., a manufacturer of industrial products made with reinforced polymers, will build a new 300,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at Gateway Industrial Park in Hart County that will invest $50 million in the community. Gateway is a regional industrial park operated by the Joint Development Authority of Franklin, Hart and Stephens Counties. Fenner Dunlops decision to stay in Georgia showcases our states pro-business climate and the strong infrastructure our state brings to the table, said GDEcD Commissioner Ken Stewart. We are pleased the company has chosen to not only retain jobs, but create new ones that will help Hart County grow. The new Fenner Dunlop facility will replace and expand the companys existing operation in DeKalb County. In addition to the investment in new land, construction and equipment, the company will preserve more than 150 jobs and add 30 new jobs over three years. "We believe this is a mutually beneficial investment for both Fenner Dunlop and Hart County, said Alex Houston, vice president of operations, Fenner Dunlop America. The knowledge in the community, from the extensive textile base that once existed, contains many of the same skill sets necessary to help Fenner Dunlop maintain its reputation as provider of the highest quality industrial conveyor belts in the world." The company primarily offers rubber belts, splice materials and other services related to industrial conveyance. Fenner Dunlops products are used in industrial processing systems, heavy equipment, and electrical and mechanical equipment servicing a wide range of industries, such as mining, aggregates, wood products and recycling. The new facility will provide a significant upgrade to Fenner Dunlops industrial weaving operation, which manufactures the core component of its industrial conveyor products. Growing companies like Fenner Dunlop are the types of businesses we rely on to maintain Hart Countys growth, said Dwayne Dye, director of economic development, Hart County Industrial Building Authority. We look forward to partnering with the company for continued growth and prosperity. ONeal, Inc. of Atlanta will design the new facility. Matthew Patterson of GDEcD was project manager for the location. Fenner Dunlop Americas is based in Charlotte, N.C., and is part of Fenner Dunlop PLC, headquartered in the United Kingdom. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org.