Op-Ed
By Niki Ogletree, President & CEO
Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority

In Valdosta-Lowndes County, manufacturing includes advanced technology, automation, precision equipment, food production, glass and automotive manufacturing, chemical development, and now, high-tech uncrewed maritime systems.

National Manufacturing Week, observed October 2-9, 2026, recognizes employees who drive production and innovation. We celebrate an industry that creates high-demand careers, fuels economic growth, and shapes Valdosta-Lowndes County’s future. Manufacturing is a key economic driver in Lowndes County, employing 5,028 people, an increase of 1,102 jobs over the past five years.

These numbers represent more than jobs; they provide families with opportunities to build their futures in Lowndes County. They also drive local spending, business growth, and investment that strengthen our community.

Georgia is expected to add 36,600 manufacturing jobs over the next decade, as the state has again earned the No. 1 ranking for business by Area Development magazine for the 13th consecutive year.

Lowndes County is benefiting from the state’s growth. In the past two years, we have attracted national companies, including GAF, Walmart Dairy, P&B Cold Storage, Amazon, Oldcastle Infrastructure (Utility Plastics), and Blue Ops, Inc., the maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. Their investments have further strengthened our manufacturing and food production sectors.

Expansion of existing industries has also accelerated, with five local companies investing a combined $26.2 million this year and creating 77 new jobs. These investments include facility expansions, new construction, equipment upgrades, and production improvements to increase capacity, efficiency, and economic growth.

Sustained manufacturing growth relies on a skilled workforce. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, about half of the manufacturing jobs that could be created over the next decade may go unfilled unless more people are inspired and prepared to pursue careers in modern manufacturing.

Building a strong workforce pipeline is essential to sustaining our economic momentum. This requires introducing students to manufacturing careers earlier, aligning education and training with employer needs, and helping people understand that today’s manufacturing careers are very different from those of previous generations.

We are building that workforce pipeline locally. Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School offer strong Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs that provide hands-on experience and introduce students to career pathways aligned with employer needs.

These programs show students multiple pathways to a successful career. By developing technical skills, earning industry credentials, and gaining real-world experience before graduation, students can prepare for well-paying, in-demand careers, including the growing high-tech opportunities in modern manufacturing.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority also supports the WIN (Workforce Innovation Network) Regional College & Career Academy, which opened in August to serve students from Valdosta City Schools and the Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, and Lanier County school systems. This initiative demonstrates a regional commitment to preparing young people for careers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, hospitality, and other high-demand industries that shape our economy.

Building tomorrow’s workforce begins by showing young people what is possible today. By connecting students with local manufacturers, providing training pathways, and offering firsthand career experiences, we help them build their futures and develop the workforce that will drive Valdosta-Lowndes County forward.

As we celebrate National Manufacturing Week, I invite you to join us in recognizing manufacturing’s economic impact and the people who make it possible. Let’s honor the more than 5,000 individuals who work each day to produce, innovate, and build in Valdosta-Lowndes County.