U.K.-based Metal Products Supplier to Open Facility in Liberty County

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the expansion of Firth Rixson Limited, a United Kingdom-based provider of highly engineered forged metal products, to Midway in Liberty County. The 200,000-square-foot facility will serve as a closed die forging operation providing components for the aerospace industry. Once fully operational, the company’s Georgia facility will create at least 200 local jobs.

“The aerospace sector is a targeted industry for Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “With the opening of its new operation in Liberty County, Firth Rixson Limited strengthens our leadership position in the sector and brings welcome news to the county and state as we begin the new year.”

Firth Rixson’s Midway operation will be known as Firth Rixson Forgings LLC, and will represent the company’s largest greenfield investment. The new facility will also become Firth Rixson’s fourth closed die forging facility. The majority of the more than 200 anticipated jobs will be hired from the local workforce, with hiring for human resources positions beginning immediately.

“Firth Rixson Forgings LLC represents the continuation of Firth Rixson’s strategic initiatives and growth plans. Our management and technical development approach consistently results in products that provide satisfaction to our customers, and operational results that satisfy our owners,” said David C. Mortimer, CEO of Firth Rixson. “We will leverage the synergy with our current closed die operations in the United Kingdom to offer our products and service to a broadened market. We are extremely pleased to expand our business in the United States.”

With its new Midway location in close proximity to Savannah, Firth Rixon Forgings will have convenient access to the pipeline of talent at Georgia Tech’s Savannah campus. As one of the nation’s leading engineering schools, Georgia Tech is an active partner to aerospace and other industries, and has a record of being a key factor to the success of companies in Georgia by providing industry expertise and helping them compete in the global marketplace.

“We are very pleased Firth Rixson has selected our environmentally sensitive and well designed Tradeport East Business Center as the location for its new facility,” stated Allen Brown, chairman of the Liberty County Development Authority. “Firth Rixson joins an already robust existing industry base in Liberty County where approximately 70 percent of our current employment is tied to companies headquartered abroad. Companies like Firth Rixson have found Liberty County to be a place where they can grow globally.”

The aerospace industry plays a significant role in Georgia’s economy, and provides more than 80,000 jobs for aircraft manufacturers and aerospace suppliers. Companies in this industry in Georgia can take advantage of the state’s well-trained workforce through the nationally recognized Georgia Quick Start workforce training program.

“As a global leader in manufacturing components for the aerospace industry, Firth Rixson will be in good company among other leaders in this industry that successfully do business in Georgia,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia is pleased to be a part of Firth Rixson’s expanded operations in North America.”

About Firth Rixson Limited

Headquartered in Sheffield, UK, Firth Rixson serves customers worldwide in market sectors such as aerospace, defense, power generation, transportation, petrochemical, medical and general industrial. Firth Rixson owns 11 operating facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Firth Rixson Limited (www.firthrixson.com) is owned by Oak Hill Capital Partners (www.oakhillcapital.com).

About GDEcD

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, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

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