Published Friday, March 05, 2010

Coweta on 'short list' for large distributor

By Jeff Bishop

The Newnan Times-Herald

Coweta County is "on the short list for a large distribution project," Coweta County Development Authority President Greg Wright told the board at its Thursday morning meeting.

"Most recently, I met with the consultant hired to review possible incentives," Wright said. "We are awaiting additional information from the company before moving forward with a proposal."

Wright said that he was still "waiting on additional information regarding the number of jobs, wages, and things like that" before putting together proposals for the company.

The former Rite Aid distribution building in Shenandoah Industrial Park is also gaining a lot of attention from prospects, Wright said.

"We have provided additional information to the state on the Rite Aid building on Herring Road," he said. "This is the second time the consultant on the project has requested additional information on the building, so it is obviously under serious consideration by the company. We also have another prospect that has expressed an interest in the building."

A relocation project from metro Atlanta also asked for information about the Rite Aid building, Wright said.

"So that building is getting a lot of interest from the development community, and we're pleased with that," Wright said.

A community contact has "put us in touch with a company considering a Georgia location," said Wright.

"We have followed up with information on a building that might meet the company's needs. The owners of the company live out of state and are planning to visit the building on their next visit to Georgia."

A local manufacturer is also reviewing plans for a 50,000-square-foot expansion, Wright said.

"The company is moving forward with its plans to add equipment, but we are awaiting a final decision on the new construction before making an announcement," said Wright.

Another expansion project that was discussed previously "has moved its timetable back a few months," said Wright.

"However, the company remains committed to the project and expects to begin construction in a couple of months," he said.

"We know of two other companies that will be looking at expansion plans later in the year," said Wright. "We are staying in touch with them to assist them at the appropriate time."