Planned Audi plant could create new opportunities for Peach County students
Local officials say the planned 4,500-job facility could expand workforce training, work-based learning and career opportunities.
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Peach County leaders and educators are looking at how Audi’s planned $4 billion manufacturing plant could create new opportunities for local students, bring thousands of jobs to the area and boost homeownership.
41NBC spoke with local officials about what the planned plant could mean for jobs, economic growth and the future of Peach County.
The facility is expected to create about 4,500 jobs and eventually produce up to 200,000 vehicles a year. Peach County Commissioner Betty Hill says she believes the new plant will have a positive economic impact on the county.
“The first thing I did was look at the Kia plant over in West Point,” Hill said. “I looked at what effect it had on the economy there, and I can see the same thing with Peach County and the surrounding counties.”
Peach County Commission Chairman Roy Lewis says the plant could also create new opportunities for young people entering the workforce while helping families afford homes and build a future in Fort Valley.
“I think it’s a really great opportunity for our young people that graduate from high school to go directly into the work force with a good salary and benefits,” Lewis said. “Boost home ownership. Fort Valley has a low home ownership and we’d like to see if people improve their lives by owning their own homes.”
“I’m also concerned about our students coming out of college,” Hill added. “Those jobs are going to be for them as well. I know the high school population for workforce development; that’s going to be good. But also having students coming from the college. And here in Peach County, we have Fort Valley State University, so we worry about those students being able to have those kinds of jobs, with those good salaries.”
Peach County High School CTAE Director Brent Lemond says the plant could create opportunities for high school students and explained how they can begin preparing for future jobs.
“We are hoping this is going to be a catalyst for growth in Peach County,” Lemond said. “As we add students and are able to add programs, of course, Audi and our local businesses are going to have a strong influence on what we add, because we’re preparing their work force.”
Lemond hopes to partner with Audi through work-based learning programs, giving students hands-on experience while allowing the company to train and get to know potential future employees.
“Our goal is that our students have that work-based learning opportunities working out there,” he said. “That gives Audi a chance to train the employee and get to know them before they become a full-time employee and gives our students a chance to get that real world experience.”
Details of the planned development are still being worked out. Governor Brian Kemp previously said in a news release that full production was expected by 2031.
