Brightmark invests $950 million to build plastics circularity center in Georgia 

Brightmark invests $950 million to build plastics circularity center in Georgia 

June 27, 2024
The 2.5 million-square-foot facility will have the capacity to repurpose over 400,000 tons of plastic per year.

Brightmark LLC has announced plans to open a circularity center in Thomaston, Georgia. The company, which specializes in circular innovation, will invest $950 million into the project, which will generate 200 new jobs for the area. The 2.5 million-square-foot facility will have the capacity to repurpose over 400,000 tons of plastic per year. According to the company, Brightmark's Plastics Renewal technology allows used plastic to be converted into materials to create new circular plastic products. The company claims that even hard-to-recycle plastics from a variety of sources can be repurposed on a large scale.  

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Brightmark Founder and CEO and Georgia native, Bob Powell, said, "Over the years, Brightmark has invested heavily in talent and innovation required to build and refine a circular solution capable of tackling one of the most complex issues of our time: recycling. This investment in Georgia represents a commitment to supporting economic longevity and playing an integral role in building a sustainable future together in my home state. We're thrilled to be able to offer a circular solution that will make a positive environmental and economic impact on a region so near and dear to my heart." 

Norman Allen, Chairman, Upson County Board of Commissioners, added, "I am excited to welcome Brightmark to Upson County.  Bringing diverse industries to Upson has been a priority for some time and I'm proud of our efforts to bring this project home. Over the last year and a half, Brightmark has demonstrated a strong desire to become a collaborative partner and responsible steward of the local environment.  I have visited their plant in Ashley, Indiana and was impressed by what I saw.  I want to thank everyone who had a hand in making this happen. This is a huge win!" 

Manufacturers investing in Georgia

GF Casting Solutions invests $184 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Georgia 
The new plant will be used to manufacture cast aluminum parts, with a special focus on large structural components for the automotive industry.

SOLARCYCLE to open $344 million solar glass manufacturing facility in Georgia
The new plant will use recycled materials from retired solar panels to make new solar glass.

Medial device manufacturer to build $88 million facility in Georgia 
The new facility will produce medical devices, specifically autoinjectors that are used to administer injectable drugs.

Learn more about industrial recycling

The Economic Case for Recycled Plastics Is Improving
Technology and recycling advancements are slowly changing the game.

World's First Recycled E-Chain Advances Circular Economy
The new E2.1.CG cradle-chain conserves resources and extends the product life cycle.

Just 9% of Plastic Waste is Recycled
New OCED report says plastic production has double in the last 20 years with most going to landfills.

Investing in American manufacturing in 2024

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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