Nordson Corporation to expand operations in Swainsboro

     On Monday afternoon, March 28, the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce was the setting for a major local industrial announcement.
     Local officials and citizens gathered to hear Scott Rosenau, local plant manager, announce that Nordson Corporation, a global leader in precision dispensing and other related technologies, was expanding operations in Swainsboro.  The announcement was made jointly by Nordson Corporation Senior Vice President Peter Lambert and Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authority Chairman Will Donaldson.  Negotiations, which have been on-going since November, culminated with the Monday announcement.
     Specifically, the company will build a new 137,000 sq. building, more than twice the size of its present operation. The new facility will be built on Empire Expressway in Emanuel County Industrial Park West.  Nordson will be making a significant investment in the project in terms of building and equipment.  Construction on the new facility, which is slated to be a "LEED-Manufacturing facility" or "eco-friendly," will begin immediately. The numbers of jobs at the new plant may eventually more than double the current 70.
     "Nordson has operated in Swainsboro since 2000, and we've always enjoyed a productive relationship with the City of Swainsboro, Emanuel County Commission and the community," said Nordson Production Manager Scott Rosenau.  "Officials from the city, county and Joint Development Authority have made it attractive for us to stay here and expand our capabilities as we continue to grow our business worldwide."
     "This is a great boost for our community. I'm proud that this city, this county and the Joint Development Authority all recognized that jobs are what it's all about. Nordson is a quality organization and I look forward to their continued growth here in Swainsboro," stated Mayor Charles Schwabe.
     Nordson's Swainsboro plant produces components and systems for adhesive dispensing equipment that is used in a wide variety of consumer packaging, nowoverns and general product assembly operations.
     Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce President Bill Rogers, Jr. credits the new project to the workforce and management currently at the plant. "The employees and local management of our Nordson facility have proven they can compete in a world-wide economy.  The local facility was named one of the top manufacturing facilities in North America just two years ago by a nationwide industry publication. This announcement is a testimony to their hard work. We are very excited to see them expanding their operations in Swainsboro."
     "As Chairman of the Emanuel County Commission, we welcome this news. The creation of new jobs for our area is very important to us. We are glad to have played a part in this announcement," added Keith Thompson.
     The company has had significant involvement in the Swainsboro community in terms of employees volunteering through Nordson's "time 'n talent" program through the Nordson Corporation Foundation.
     Nordson said it expects to relocate some jobs from other plants in Georgia to Swainsboro but has not yet finalized its plans.

Commissioner Black to speak at Pine Tree event    

     Georgia's new Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black, will be the guest speaker for the second annual Forestry and Wildlife Field Day slated for May 5. The event is held in conjunction with the Pine Tree Festival and the Georgia Forestry Association Regional Landowners Meeting and Dinner.
     The GFA Regional Landowner's Meeting and Dinner will begin at the conclusion of "A Day in the Forest" and is slated to be one of the most informative forestry meetings in recent years! "We are so thankful that Commissioner Black thinks enough of what we are doing here to come be a part of it", expressed Johnny Payne, Pine Tree board member.
     Also expected to be of much interest to landowners and foresters will be Timber Mart South's timber market analysis, which will be presented during the dinner.  Timber Mart South is a leader in timber market analysis and they will be presenting trends and future outlooks for timber markets in the Southeast. "As a landowner and a forester, I am very interested in hearing what these folks think the future holds for the timber industry" said Russ Yeomans, local business owner and Expo co-chair.
      Earlier that day at 1 p.m. will be, "A Day in the Forest." The field day includes a stroll through the woods, stopping at outdoor classroom settings to learn about current topics of interest to landowners, foresters, loggers, and all outdoor enthusiasts. This year's topics include Establishing High Quality Food Plots, Investing in Agriculture and Timber Lands, Growing Healthy Forests for Timber and Wildlife, and the role of Tree Genetics in the Future of Forestry.  Also new to this year's field day will be a tour of the Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area.
    Many forestry and wildlife companies will be on hand with exhibit booths set up in the Swainsboro/ Emanuel County Recreation Department Gym for the Field Day and the Landowners' dinner. Mark Crosby, co-chair of the Southeast Timber Expo is looking forward to a big turnout. He said, "We are excited about the early responses we are having from exhibitors and landowners alike!" More than 15 exhibitors are expected to be on hand to showcase their information and speak with attendees during the afternoon and evening.
     The information-packed event will be held May 5^th at the Swainsboro Emanuel County Recreation Department from 1:00pm to 5:30pm, with the Landowners Meeting beginning at 6:00pm. Continuing Logger Education and Continuing Forester Education Credit will be available. Pre-registration is required. Contact Donna Brinson at the Chamber of Commerce for more information, or visit online at www.pinetreefestival.org .