Eastern Light Distilling To Break Ground on New $143.7 Million Distillery in Morehead, Ky. Creating 50 Full-Time Jobs

Posted on by Michael Randle

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 2, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and company leadership at Eastern Light Distilling for the groundbreaking of its new $143.7 million Morehead distillery, a project that is creating 50 new full-time positions.

“Eastern Light Distilling is adding to the historic growth we’re seeing all across Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s official groundbreaking ceremony marks another significant step forward for our spirits industry as it continues to provide incredible job opportunities for the Eastern Kentucky region. Congratulations to Eastern Light Distilling’s leadership on reaching this exciting milestone.”

Announced in June 2023, the new facility will introduce an innovative new concept that will grow the state’s signature bourbon industry in Eastern Kentucky while supporting craft bourbon makers as a custom contract distiller. The locally owned venture is led by Kentucky bourbon industry veterans, including CEO Cordell Lawrence and Caleb Kilburn, an internationally recognized master distiller.

The Lane Report

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Atlanta is third-most popular market for data center investors, per CBRE report

Posted on by Michael Randle

Atlanta is the third-most popular market for data center investments in the United States, according to a survey by CBRE.

CBRE’s 2024 Global Data Center Investor Intentions Survey found that 49% of respondents said Atlanta was one of their top markets for investment.

Atlanta was behind Dallas-Fort Worth and Northern Virginia, which were chosen by 61% and 68% of respondents, respectively.

The new survey comes after a recent CBRE report that said Atlanta is the fastest-growing data center market, based on the number of new projects between 2022 and 2023.

The South is seeing unprecedented and “explosive” growth in these developments, said Mike Lash, CBRE’s first vice president on the data center solutions team in Atlanta.

Demand for data centers previously was located in the Northeast, but due to the exponential growth in digital products around the world and the development of generative artificial intelligence, there’s an increased demand for more data centers everywhere.

“The South has been a beneficiary of that, for sure,” Lash said.

Atlanta Business Chronicle

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Union, studios reach contract deal for Georgia film and TV workers

Posted on by Michael Randle

The labor union representing behind-the-scenes crews on film and television productions in Georgia and several other states has reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that, if approved by members, will avert a feared strike.

The contract, called the Area Standards Agreement, includes improvements in wages, living allowances and health and retirement benefits, along with guardrails around the use of artificial intelligence, among other provisions. The contract still has to be approved by a ratification vote, which will be held at a forthcoming date, according to a news release from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

The news comes two days after both parties reached a deal on another contract, called the Basic Agreement, which covers about 50,000 members across West Coast local chapters. The Area Standards Agreement announced Thursday night covers 23 locals across the nation in Georgia, Louisiana and other several states with IATSE chapters and their 20,000 members.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

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Rivian reveals Q2 manufacturing figures. Here’s what you need to know

Posted on by Michael Randle

Electric-vehicle maker Rivian had a busy second quarter, one that could prove pivotal for the startup and its promised $5 billion Georgia factory.

From April to June, the California-based automaker announced a partnership with Volkswagen that could ultimately be valued at up to $5 billion, a second generation of its flagship vehicle models and reiterated its future Georgia manufacturing plans — although the factory’s construction timeline remains unknown.

Despite three months of surprises and splashy announcements, the company’s manufacturing efforts in Illinois were more ho-hum. Rivian released its production and delivery figures Tuesday morning, which its leaders said come during a transition point for the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

Here is what you need to know about the company’s second quarter:

Rivian produced 9,612 vehicles during the three months ending in June, a 31% decrease from both a year ago and last quarter.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

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Shape Corp. celebrates opening of second Alabama production facility

Posted on by Michael Randle

TANNER, Alabama — Shape Corp., a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, officially opened its second Alabama production facility today after completing a $74 million growth project that will create over 100 jobs in the coming year.

Michigan-based Shape, which opened a plant in nearby Athens in 2016, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning at the new 202,306-square-foot facility in Southpoint Industrial Park.

“This new facility represents our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry,” said Mark White, president and CEO of Shape Corp. “By expanding our operations in Alabama, we are not only increasing our production capabilities, but also investing in the local community through job creation and economic growth.

MadeInAlabama.com

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Auto parts maker Samkee opens first U.S. factory in Tuskegee, Ala.

Posted on by Michael Randle

TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined officials of Samkee Corp. and local leaders today to mark the opening of the auto parts maker’s new production facility in Tuskegee Commerce Park.

South Korea-based Samkee invested $128 million to build its first U.S. factory, which will employ over 170 people at full operation while providing a massive economic boost for rural Macon County.

“Samkee is a first-class addition to Alabama’s dynamic auto industry, and the opening of this state-of-the-art facility in Tuskegee demonstrates that the industry continues to gain horsepower in the state,” Commerce Secretary McNair said.

MadeInAlabama.com

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Liebherr to expand Newport News-Hampton, Va. facility

Posted on by Michael Randle

Newport News-based Liebherr Mining Equipment will invest $72.3 million to expand a plant at the border of Newport News and Hampton, creating an estimated 175 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday.

“We thank Liebherr, an international leader in mining equipment manufacturing, for its commitment to the commonwealth of Virginia,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Liebherr has recognized that Virginia is strategically located to serve as its global production headquarters for mining trucks and service customers within the United States and across the world.”

Founded in 1949, Liebherr Group is a family-owned technology and equipment producer. Founded in 1995, Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. has more than 550 employees. It manufactures industrial-scale mining trucks used to transport material at open-cast mining operations. The trucks are partly assembled, tested and certified at the plant, and complete assembly occurs at the mine.

VirginiaBusiness.com

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