Cold-storage Building to Be Built in Macon, Ga., Business Park

Jan. 24, 2006
New 214,000-s.f. refrigerated warehouse planned in Bibb County, Ga.

Jan. 18--A nationally known company plans to build a 214,000-square-foot cold-storage building at the I-75 Business Park at Hartley Bridge Road in south Bibb County, government and economic leaders said Tuesday.

"For sure, they are going to build a refrigerated warehouse there," County Commission Chairman Charlie Bishop said. "They are going to try to lease it or sell it to a national company who will occupy it."

The company expects to complete the building in August, Bishop said.

Another company that will occupy the building plans to invest $20 million to $25 million and hire at least 140 people, said Pat Topping, senior vice president of the Macon Economic Development Commission.

Neither Bishop nor Topping would identify the company building the facility or the company expected to move in. The project is referred to as Project Tony as negotiations continue, both men said.

Chip Cherry, president of the Macon Economic Development Commission, said the company expected to occupy the building is "a strong corporate citizen."

Officials said that company also is considering two other locations in either metro-Atlanta or a community south of Macon.

"They are real close to a deal," Topping said.

Last week, Topping received approval of a special tax abatement schedule for Project Tony from the Bibb County school board and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. Tuesday, the Bibb County Commission approved the tax incentive plan.

(Macon Telegraph, The (GA) (KRT) -- 01/19/06)