Governor Brian P. Kemp recently shared some exciting news: A company called PBS Aerospace is going to build its U.S. headquarters and factory in Roswell, Georgia. This is a big deal for our state because the company is going to spend up to $20 million to make this happen. They’ll also create at least 95 new jobs in metro Atlanta.
What Does PBS Aerospace Do?
PBS Aerospace is a company that builds small turbojet engines. These engines help airplanes fly. The company has been in the U.S. for more than 10 years, but now they’ve decided to make Georgia their official home for research, development, and manufacturing. That means they’ll not only keep doing business here, but they’ll also design and build more of their engines right here in our state.
Why Is This Good News?
Governor Kemp said he’s glad PBS Aerospace chose to grow in Georgia. He explained that Georgia is already one of the best places in the country for companies that work in aerospace, which means anything that has to do with flying, space, and airplanes.
He said the state is working hard to help companies like PBS Aerospace by creating places where factories can be built and helping people learn the skills they need to do these jobs.
Why Did PBS Aerospace Choose Georgia?
Tomas Koutsky, the Managing Director of PBS Aerospace, said they picked Georgia because of their past success in Atlanta. He said Atlanta is a great place for their company because:
- It has good schools
- It has a strong workforce (which means there are a lot of people ready to work)
- It has great roads, airports, and utilities
- And it has a good business environment
Erin Durham, the CEO of PBS Aerospace, added that their new factory will make some of the world’s most advanced small engines, which will be used by the U.S. Department of Defense (the part of the government that helps keep the country safe). She said this move fits perfectly with their goal to work closely with Georgia’s aerospace and defense partners.
What’s Being Built?
The company will use two buildings in Roswell:
- A building that already exists at 1350 North Meadow, which they will fix up.
- A brand-new building at the Tech Village North Site.
PBS Aerospace wants to be fully up and running by April 2025. They are already looking to hire people. If someone wants to work there, they can visit the PBS Aerospace website to apply.
What Local Leaders Are Saying
Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said he’s happy PBS Aerospace is coming to the city. He believes Roswell is a great place for companies and families because of its:
- Safe neighborhoods
- Great schools
- Beautiful parks
- And a strong community
He believes PBS Aerospace will help the city grow and do well.
Robb Pitts, who works for Fulton County, said the move is important because it brings real jobs and opportunities to local families. He said PBS Aerospace helps make Fulton County a leader in new kinds of manufacturing and technology.
Katie Kirkpatrick, the president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, added that Georgia’s aerospace industry is already doing very well. In fact, aerospace is the number one export from Georgia, meaning it’s the thing we sell the most to other countries. She said this new company will help the state grow even more and give new jobs to college graduates.
Who Helped Make This Happen?
A lot of groups worked together to bring PBS Aerospace to Roswell. These include:
- The City of Roswell
- Select Fulton
- Metro Atlanta Chamber
- Georgia Quick Start (a job training program)
- The Georgia Center of Innovation
- Georgia Power
- The Georgia Department of Economic Development
Haley Casola, who works with the state, helped lead the project.
Pat Wilson, who works with Georgia’s Department of Economic Development, said it’s great that PBS Aerospace wants to do even more in Georgia. He said this shows that when companies feel welcome and supported, they want to stay and grow here.
About PBS Aerospace
PBS Aerospace is part of a bigger company called PBS Group, which has been around for more than 200 years. The company is known for its smart engineering and works in areas like airplanes, energy, and transportation. In the U.S., PBS Aerospace focuses on building engines for both the military and businesses
Pros (What’s Good About This)
- More Jobs: At least 95 new jobs will be created, which means more people will be able to work and earn money.
- Good for Georgia: It helps Georgia stay strong in the aerospace industry.
- Educational Opportunities: With the new headquarters nearby, local schools and colleges may build partnerships for job training.
- Better Community Growth: More businesses can lead to more restaurants, shops, and services.
- Military Support: The company will make engines for the Department of Defense, which helps keep the country safe.
Cons (What to Keep in Mind)
- Construction May Cause Delays: While the new buildings are being fixed and built, there may be some traffic or noise.
- Not Everyone May Get a Job: While 95 jobs are great, many people may still be looking for work.
- Training Required: Some of the jobs may need special skills or education, which could take time for people to learn.
- Risk of Relocation Later: While PBS Aerospace is investing now, companies sometimes move again in the future.