Electrician Contractor in Peachtree City, GA

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — Saint-Gobain, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed, plans to invest $100 million over the next two to three years to expand its CertainTeed roofing shingle manufacturing facility in Peachtree City, Georgia, more than doubling production capacity at that location.

The expansion in Peachtree City will add over 65,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space and comes only months after Saint-Gobain announced its global Grow and Impact strategy, which includes expanding its presence in key, fast growing markets. A focus on sustainability will be at the forefront of the expansion project through upgrades to manufacturing equipment and building design. Saint-Gobain says the improvements will allow for a 14% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions per production unit, as well as further water and energy consumption reductions.

The project will be supported by more than $5 million in state and local tax incentives realized over the next decade.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our plant in Peachtree City – this is an investment in our company’s future ability to supply our growing customer base,” said Carmen Bodden, Vice President and General Manager of CertainTeed Roofing Product Group. “We will continue to look for ways to maximize our company’s positive impact, for our customers and the communities where we operate, while working to minimize our environmental footprint. We thank Fayette County and the State of Georgia for their support.”

“For the second time in two weeks, Saint-Gobain has chosen Georgia to expand, and we are grateful to the company for continuing to invest in our communities,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development COO Brittany Young. “The continued growth of companies already located in the state is critical for our communities’ long-term health. Congratulations to the teams in Fayette County and Peachtree City for creating opportunities and a successful business environment.”

Saint-Gobain’s expansion in Peachtree City comes only weeks after the announcement of a $118.8 million expansion of the CertainTeed Roofing plant in Oxford, North Carolina. Additionally, Saint-Gobain ADFORS last week announced an expansion at its facility in Dublin, Georgia. These expansion projects will serve to support the company’s growing customer base in the southeastern United States.

The CertainTeed Peachtree City plant, which began operations in 1976, sits on 23 acres in Fayette County. Currently, the plant employs 83 individuals. As a result of this expansion, at least 27 new full-time operations jobs will be created.

A massive French provider of “light building materials” is deepening its presence in Georgia with two investments totaling more than $128 million announced within the span of a week.

Those come on top of another $30 million project in Athens quietly announced last November by Paris-based Saint-Gobain, which traces its roots as a manufacturer back to the French monarch Louis XIV in 1665.

Now, the company boasts 166,000 employees in 75 countries generating sales of more than 44 billion euros from products like insulation, façade panels, siding and textiles like patio screens. The company has long been one of the largest French job-creators in the state.

That trans-Atlantic commitment grew stronger this week as the company said it would create 400 new positions on a $28 million investment at a fiberglass plant in Dublin, Ga., where Saint-Gobain’s ADFORS textile brand is making heat-protection and thermal insulation materials used in the automotive, ship-building and power-generation sectors.

In an example of the creative destruction that can occur in foreign-invested facilities, the ADFORS investment will bring back on line a furnace installed by Latvia’s Valmiera Glass, which originally built the facility with a $20 million investment in 2014. Two years later, Valmiera announced a $90 million expansion and plans to build a state-of-the-art furnace and hire 450 workers, netting it the “deal of the year” award from the Georgia Economic Developers Association.

By 2018, Valmiera’s U.S. subsidiary had become the largest single employer in central Georgia’s Laurens County, drawing a visit from Latvia’s then-ambassador, Andris Tekmanis, in the same year the country appointed an honorary consul in Atlanta.

But the expansion evidently proceeded too quickly, as Valmiera abruptly laid off 350 workers and filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after failing to secure an investor to stem losses related to the plant’s startup and operation.

Saint-Gobain bought the Dublin facility in 2020, despite being unable to visit due to COVID-19, and has been hiring as it has ramped up production. Restarting the furnace will enable the French company to double North American capacity for melting, extruding and winding fiberglass thread, the raw material that goes into its heat protection products. The investment in Dublin attracted $12 million in tax incentives from the state, plus customized workforce training valued at $1 million from Georgia Quick Start. Hiring starts now and will continue into 2024.

This week, Saint-Gobain said it would begin a $100 million expansion of its roofing shingles business under the CertainTeed LLC subsidiary in Peachtree City, part of a previously announced investment of $400 million into U.S. production over the next two to three years.

The new infusion will double capacity at that 23-acre, Fayette County plant, adding 65,000 square feet of warehouse and manufacturing space while cutting emissions by 14 percent per unit, in keeping with a strategy to improve sustainability in its processes. Some $5 million in state incentives were promised as CertainTeed grows the workforce by 27 jobs from 83 to 110.

CertainTeed also has an Athens plant that has been in the community since 1975 and produces loose-fill insulation. That factory will get a $30 million upgrade to add a new production line, creating 20 new jobs when the new line is delivered in late 2023. Having begun in 1975, the Athens plant has 191 employees.

Across the three plants, Saint-Gobain’s units will eventually employ at least 700 people in Georgia upon reaching its job-creation targets.

The National Weather Service escalated a hazardous weather outlook issued earlier in the day for Cobb County and other north and central Georgia counties to a Severe Weather Watch, extending until 8 p.m.

Here is what the announcement states:

.DAY ONE…This Afternoon and Tonight… A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of the area through 8 PM this evening. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms will continue to develop and affect much of north and central Georgia through this afternoon. Damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, large hail up to golf balls, frequent lightning and very heavy rain can be expected with the most severe storms. In addition to the storms, hot and humid conditions will persist. A Heat Advisory is in effect for nearly all of north and central Georgia through this evening. Maximum heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees can be expected.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Wednesday through Monday… Afternoon heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees are expected for much of north and central Georgia from Wednesday through Friday. Scattered thunderstorms are possible through Thursday, primarily during the afternoon and evening. Isolated thunderstorms will then be possible mainly in central Georgia on Friday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation is not needed at this time but spotters are encouraged to report any wind damage or hail reports to the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City.

What counties are included in the Severe Weather Watch?

The following counties are listed in the watch:

Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bleckley, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Crawford, Crisp, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Dodge, Dooly, Douglas, Emanuel, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Glascock, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lumpkin, Macon, Madison, Marion, Meriwether, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Rockdale, Schley, South Fulton, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Taylor, Telfair, Toombs, Towns, Treutlen, Troup, Twiggs, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, Warren, Washington, Webster, Wheeler, White, Whitfield, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson

Update (June 16, 2022) The National Weather Service issued another heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for June 15, 2022. The temperature is expect to get up to 95 degrees and heat indices could reach 107 degrees

Update (June 15, 2022)

The National Weather Service issued another heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for June 15, 2022. The temperature is expect to get up to 97 degrees and heat indices could reach 110.

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 possible.

WHERE…Portions of central, east central, north central, northeast and southeast Georgia.

WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

National Weather Service

Update

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for 75 counties in Georgia until 8 p.m. this evening, June 14, 2022.

Walton, Gwinnett and surrounding counties are included in this watch, including the cities of: Abbeville, Alamo, Americus, Atlanta, Barnesville, Bremen, Buena Vista, Butler, Carrollton, Cartersville, Cedartown, Cochran, Columbus, Conyers, Cordele, Covington, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dallas, Dawsonville, Decatur, Douglasville, Dublin, Eastman, Eatonton, Ellaville, Forsyth, Fort Benning, Fort Valley, Franklin, Gainesville, Gibson, Gray, Greensboro, Griffin, Hawkinsville, Jackson, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Lawrenceville, Louisville, Macon, Madison, Manchester, Marietta, Mcrae, Milledgeville, Monroe, Montezuma, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Newnan, Peachtree City, Pine Mountain, Preston, Richland, Riverdale, Roberta, Sandersville, Soperton, Sparta, Stockbridge, Swainsboro, Talbotton, Thomaston, toomsboro, Vidalia, Vienna, Warner Robins, Watkinsville, West Point, Winder, Woodstock, Wrightsville, and Zebulon.

Stay tuned for updated weather reports. A Watch means that conditions are ripe for the possibility of a severe storm developing.

Update

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for Monday, June 13 and Tuesday, June 14 for the local area. The heat advisory runs from noon until 9 p.m. on Monday and from noon until 8 p.m. on Tuesday

For the first time this year, widespread heat index values between 100 and 105 degree are expected across the forecast area. Please take caution to protect yourself and others from the impacts of the upcoming heat wave. If spending time outdoors, try to limit strenuous activities and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. If working outdoors is necessary, stay hydrated, and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. Look before you lock, to avoid leaving pets or children in unattended vehicles. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

National Weather Service

The heat advisory for Tuesday is predicting even higher heat indices.

WHAT…Heat index values of 105 to 110 expected.

WHERE…Portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, northwest, southeast and west central Georgia.

WHEN…From noon to 8 PM EDT Tuesday.

IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Afternoon thunderstorms could temper the heat in some areas during the day tomorrow and could provide some temporary relief from the heat.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

National Weather Service

Heat indices expected to be in the 100s for this last week of spring

We still have a seven days of spring left, but it is not going to feel like it this week. Weather predictions indicate that temperatures will get up into the high 90s, with heat indices in the 100s. It is likely to feel more like mid-summer before the first day of summer actually arrives on June 21.

According to Weather.com, the temperature is expected to reach 96 degrees on Monday and 97 Tuesday and Wednesday. It is expected to cool off, slightly, with a storm on Thursday to finish up at 93 degrees on Friday.

And Ryan Beasley with Fox 5 Atlanta is reporting that the actual temperature is not going to be the worst of it. We can expect a heat index of 106 degrees by Tuesday.

Stay hydrated and keep a look out for extreme heat weather warnings. It looks like it 2022 could bring a long, hot summer!

A new Brookhaven, Ga., City Hall will be built on Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) property near the city’s Gold Line rail station. Also, the 18-day Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Inquiry began June 13; and Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) is exploring streetcar service connecting downtown Canton, Ohio, with the Akron-Canton airport.

MARTA and the city of Brookhaven have finalized agreement for a new City Hall to be built on MARTA-owned property adjacent to the Gold Line rail station in DeKalb County. The 1.24-acre property on Peachtree Road is currently used for long-term parking, which will be relocated to the eastern side of the station; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible spots will be moved closer to the rail station entrance along Peachtree. The ground lease agreement states Brookhaven will lease the almost $3 million property for 50 years before purchasing, MARTA reported.

Brookhaven will oversee planning, financing and construction of the building. A construction timeline has not yet been determined.

“MARTA is excited to partner with Brookhaven to establish a transit-supportive City Hall, one of only a few in this country located at a rail station,” MARTA interim General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said. “This project will inspire future development around the station, increase ridership, and improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.”

“This is the result of a collaboration with MARTA, which has been ongoing for five years,” Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst said. “We were all seeking a transit-friendly live-work-play solution that meets the current and future lifestyle needs of residents and our greater regional community. I am looking forward to continuing the partnership with MARTA as we create a permanent City Hall.”

The Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Inquiry is looking into the commercial and technical circumstances that led to breakdowns and two derailments last summer/fall on Stage 1 of the Ottawa LRT project; one derailment led to a system-wide shutdown for nearly two months.

The inquiry will run to July 8 at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law – Common Law Section. Testifying will be witnesses from Infrastructure Ontario, the city of Ottawa, Alstom Transport Canada, Rideau Transit Group, OLRT Constructors, Thales Canada, STV Inc., and TUV Rheinland/ISA, among other agencies.

The Ontario government in December 2021 appointed William Hourigan as Commissioner to lead the inquiry. Hourigan—who has served as a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Court of Appeal—is charged with delivering a report of the findings, conclusions and any recommendations to the Minister of Transportation by the end of August.

The Ontario government committed up to C$600 million toward the Stage 1 project, the Confederation Line, which officially launched in 2019. It spans 7.8 miles and includes 13 stations. The province will also provide the city of Ottawa with up to C$1.2 billion to build Stage 2, which comprises three extensions adding 27.3 miles of new track and 24 new stations.

SARTA is holding public meetings this month and next to discuss a proposed 9.8-mile, 8-station streetcar project that would link downtown Canton, the Pro-Football Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame Village, Belden Village area, and Akron-Canton Airport. (An online survey is also available.) Most of the route would use former Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad track that runs along West Branch Nimishillen Creek and I-77, between downtown Canton and the Summit County Line (see map above). SARTA said the line, currently owned by Akron METRO RTA, supports two freight trains per week, and “could be used by streetcars with only minimal improvements.” One mile of new streetcar track would be built to cross the downtown area, with a second mile added to connect from where the rail line crosses Mt. Pleasant Road, at the Stark County Line, to Akron-Canton Airport. The proposed line would allow riders to transfer to and from SARTA buses.

SARTA said its “consultants are now analyzing the feasibility of the proposed project, estimating the project’s costs, the number of riders it would attract, and other potential impacts and benefits.” Results and next steps will be reported during public meetings in September, according to the agency.