International importer to invest $2 million, create 100-plus jobs in Sylvania

ELK Group International, a premier designer and importer of indoor and outdoor residential and commercial lighting fixtures and home decor, will create more than 100 jobs and invest $2 million in a distribution center in Screven County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced.

ELK will upgrade an existing 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sylvania for their new operations. This facility will create new employment opportunities over the next three years to include positions in office and warehouse operations.

The Sylvania distribution center will be ELK's seventh U.S. location.

"Georgia is a hub for thriving companies such as ELK Group International, and their decision to open a new facility in Sylvania is a great win for the region," said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson.

"With access to a skilled workforce and an efficient transportation infrastructure, ELK will find it easy to meet the growing demands of their customers, and expand their business in Sylvania."

Todd Webb, chief operating officer of ELK Group International, agreed.

"Expanding our distribution network to the Southeast allows us to support current and future growth while enhancing service levels for our customers," Webb said.

"The management of the Screven County Development Authority and the City of Sylvania were instrumental in the decision process, and we look forward to being an active member of the local community."

Screven County Development Authority board chairman Bobby Smith said wooing the global company was a group effort.

"When we met Todd and ELK president Mark Fludgate, we immediately knew this could be a seamless fit in our community," Smith said. "The former Sylvania Yarn Systems building has housed a vital part of our industry mix in Sylvania for decades prior to being shuttered in 2009.

"It's great to see it active again and even better to see a vibrant and strong partner joining us in Screven County.

"I also want to thank the Screven County Board of Commissioners, the City of Sylvania, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and our other partners for their support of our economic development efforts."

Georgia Department of Economic Development regional project manager, Alyce Thornhill, represented the Global Commerce division in partnership with the Screven County Development Authority and the City of Sylvania.

ELK was founded in 1983 and imports lighting fixtures from China, Indonesia, Vietnam and India. Major U.S. customers include The Home Depot, Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bealls, Kohls and Stein Mart.

The company is pursuing an aggressive timeline in starting up their operation, said Dorie Bacon, development authority executive director.

"ELK closed on the building in December, which was a great Christmas gift to the people Screven County, and started renovations almost immediately," she said.

"They are hoping to have the first box out as early as next month."

While ELK has made some key hires, their focus has been on getting the building ready, Bacon said, adding that the state department of labor will be holding a job fair to fill the warehouse positions.