First Quality Baby Products Announces Macon Modernization Project

MACON—Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that First Quality Baby Products, LLC, a Great Neck, New York-based manufacturer of absorbent hygiene products, will modernize and expand its manufacturing presence in Bibb County.  The company plans to invest up to $200 million and bring its employee count to 375 over the coming years at the company’s Macon facilities.

“Since acquiring its manufacturing operation in Georgia in 2008, First Quality has played a significant role in the Macon business community, and in Georgia's ever-growing advanced manufacturing sector,” said Governor Perdue.  “We are always excited to see our existing industries grow and thrive in Georgia.”

First Quality will construct a diaper manufacturing facility, with construction scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2010.  First Quality’s current manufacturing operation in Macon produces multiple configurations of private label baby diapers and training pants for major retailers.  The company’s expanded Macon operation will serve markets throughout the Southeast.

“First Quality is very pleased to expand our relationship with Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, and we look forward to working together to create real opportunities here with all our partners, both in government and the private sector, that will benefit the entire community,” said Bob Schiek, director of manufacturing for First Quality.  “The strength of our existing workforce as well as our confidence in the pool of skilled labor contributed to the decision for First Quality to commit to Macon-Bibb County.  As important, however, is the pro-business environment that you have created here in Georgia, especially in Macon-Bibb County.”

The new First Quality diaper manufacturing plant in Macon will make use of high-tech manufacturing advancements utilized at the company’s other recently completed plant in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

   “First Quality’s culture is focused on producing high quality products in their market segments and on exceeding customer expectations,” said Sam Hart, Chairman of the Bibb County Commission.  “Based on my visit to their facilities in Pennsylvania last fall I would say they excel in both areas.  We are proud to partner with First Quality to both retain good jobs and generate new employment opportunities for the citizens of our community!  We look forward to a long and productive relationship.”

“First Quality is a great fit for our community, and is a high performing, high quality organization with a proven track record since its founding more than 20 years ago,” said Robert Reichert, Mayor of the City of Macon.   “I am proud that the company has chosen to expand its presence in our community!” 

“First Quality’s new facility in Macon validates our efforts to recruit high-tech manufacturing operations to Bibb County,” said Clifford Whitby, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority chairman.  “We are both pleased and honored that the owners of First Quality have chosen to make their latest investment in our community, and see this as the beginning of a long and productive relationship between First Quality and our community!” 

Jennifer Nelson, Georgia Department of Economic Development deputy director of Existing Industry & Regional Recruitment, assisted the company and community with this project.

About First Quality Enterprises, Inc.

Founded in 1990, First Quality Enterprises, Inc. and its affiliates are a closely-held diversified group of companies manufacturing, selling and distributing branded and private label absorbent hygiene, paper and non-woven products into the healthcare, retail and commercial channels. First Quality is dedicated to meeting the demands of the market by providing innovative and high-quality products manufactured utilizing state of the art technology. For more information please visit www.firstquality.com.

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