Celebrating Manufacturing in Valdosta, Lowndes County
October 6, 2025
Celebrating Manufacturing in Valdosta, Lowndes County
VALDOSTA, Ga. — In recognition of the vital role of manufacturing, Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson signed a proclamation designating Oct. 6–10, 2025, as Manufacturing Week in Valdosta and Lowndes County.
The manufacturing sector in Valdosta-Lowndes County employs approximately 4,953 people — an increase of 992 jobs over the past five years.
These positions drive innovation, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to the region’s continued growth and development.
Over the past four years, Valdosta-Lowndes County has experienced record-setting industrial expansion, including the addition of 1,430 jobs and more than $1 billion in capital investment from new and existing industries.
With a diverse range of employers in the automotive, agribusiness, food processing, and chemical manufacturing sectors, the region’s industries are driving economic growth and adding value through advanced technology, tools, and talent.
“When we recruit and retain manufacturers, it provides a vital engine of economic growth for our community and region,” said Niki Ogletree, president and CEO of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority. “Every job and every industry recruitment or expansion provides an increase to our tax base and drives prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.”
Hunt Industries served as the host site for this year’s National Manufacturing Day ceremony, held annually on the first Friday in October to celebrate the vital role of manufacturing and the growing career opportunities within the industry.
“It was an honor to host this year’s Manufacturing Day ceremony,” said Terry Hunt, owner of Hunt Industries, which employs more than 300 people. “We want to give back to our community and provide a place where people want to work.”
Hunt emphasized the importance of recognizing the local and national impact of manufacturing. “This country needs manufacturing and support companies like Hunt Industries that provide high-paying jobs and good benefits,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hunt shared plans for continued growth. “We’re preparing to expand our structural beam line, which will involve hiring approximately 30 more employees,” he said. “I’ve raised my family here and grown my business here—you can’t find a better community than Valdosta.”
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, for every dollar spent in manufacturing, there is a total economic impact of $2.64. Across the United States, manufacturing employs more than 13 million people and represents a broad-based sector that includes agribusiness, food processing, chemical, textile, machine, and equipment industries. In simple terms, manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished products through manual or mechanical operations.