GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Macon leaders discuss regional impact of planned Audi plant
Mayor Lester Miller says the $4 billion project could transform the region, though Volkswagen still must approve the deal.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A new Audi manufacturing facility planned for the Middle Georgia Megasite in Peach County is generating excitement and anticipation among local leaders and business owners.
Macon Mayor Lester Miller called the project “very transformational,” adding, “This is probably the single biggest transformative project that we’ve ever had.”
But the deal isn’t quite finalized. Miller said Audi and Volkswagen still need to complete a few final steps before moving forward.
“Audi has expressed interest there,” he said. “We hope that’s going to work out. It still has to be ratified by Volkswagen.”
Miller remains hopeful Audi will choose Peach County as its new home. He believes the facility will benefit not only Peach County, but communities across Middle Georgia.
“I think you’ll see some real estate boom,” he said. “I think you’ll see our school system strengthen and continue to grow. I think you’ll see more people in our universities—and of course, small businesses in Middle Georgia are going to be the happiest people in the world right now because they’re going to see increased participation, more money into our system, and people at higher wages.”
Jessica Walden, president and CEO of the Macon Chamber of Commerce, called the deal a “multi-generational impact” for the region.
She said Middle Georgia’s workforce must be prepared for the shift to advanced manufacturing.
“Healthcare sector is our number one,” she said. “Well, now we’ve seen manufacturing with this amount of jobs coming in, advanced manufacturing being right up there with it. So the need is there, and we’ve got to get people prepared for it.”
Construction on the $4 billion facility is scheduled to begin in 2027, with production expected to start in the early 2030s. Walden said individuals, families and crews will soon begin moving to the area, and community leaders want them to choose Macon as their new home.
Miller said he is proud of the collaboration among Peach, Houston and Bibb counties, and would rather see new businesses come to Middle Georgia than to other states. Audi plans to manufacture premium SUVs tailored for North American customers.
