Gov. Brian Kemp today announced that biotechnology company RWDC Industries will invest $260 million in expanding its operations into Athens-Clarke County. This innovative development will create 200 jobs.
“RWDC Industries is a perfect example of Georgians’ creative approach to solving problems and finding great success, thanks in part to state resources like our public university system,” Kemp said. “It’s great to see a Georgia company continue to find ways to make a difference and create innovative opportunities for hardworking Georgians.”
RWDC will expand into an existing 400,000 square-foot facility in Athens. Founded in an innovation lab at the University of Georgia in 2015, RWDC Industries has emerged as a global leader in developing cost-effective alternatives to single-use plastics. The company continues to invest in domestic operations in Georgia while expanding its international footprint from Singapore.
“We are grateful for the support of our local community and are incredibly excited to expand our team here in Athens-Clarke County," said Athens-based RWDC industries co-founder and CEO, Dr. Daniel Carraway.. Governor Kemp and Commissioner Wilson have been key advocates for RWDC from the very beginning,” s “RWDC is proud to have the support of the people of Georgia as we continue our mission toward solving the global single-use plastic crisis.”
The announcement comes as consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to plastic continues to grow. Individuals interested in working for RWDC Industries are encouraged to visit rwdc-industries.com/careers to explore available and upcoming career opportunities.
“We are excited to see RWDC expand its operations in Athens and add a substantial number of new well-paying jobs,” Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said. “Athens is the home of the University of Georgia, and we have a long record of supporting innovation and industry. Like communities across America and the world, we want to see a reduction in plastic pollution, and we have high hopes that RWDC, with the help of the Athens community at their new facility, will be able to solve that problem.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Assistant Director Hank Evans represented the Global Commerce division on this project in partnership with Athens-Clarke County and Electric Cities of Georgia.
“We are thrilled that an innovative company, such as RWDC Industries continues to grow and invest in Georgia,” GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson said. “We also want to thank our local economic development partners in Athens-Clarke County who supported this project, enabling RWDC to further create unique investment and career opportunities for our state.”
Based in Singapore and founded in 2015 by Mr. Roland Wee and Dr. Daniel Carraway, RWDC Industries is a biotechnology company that develops innovative and cost-effective biopolymer material solutions, including polyhydroxylalkanoate (PHA). PHA is fully biodegradable and can be used as a substitute for plastic in a wide range of everyday, single-use consumer goods, from straws to utensils to cups and plates to lids. RWDC supports sustainable practices and encourages responsible choice in plastic waste management, including recycling, to protect our environment and planet.