Gov. Sonny Perdue recently announced that ORAFOL USA, a subsidiary of German-based ORAFOL Klebetechnik GmbH, has selected Bryan County, Ga., near Savannah, as the site of its U.S. headquarters and first manufacturing facility outside Germany. The company will be the anchor of the Interstate Centre industrial park when it completes construction of its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility in 2006.

The facility represents a $45 million investment over two development phases and will create 60 new jobs by the end of 2008. The facility will produce PVC films for use in graphics products, adhesive tapes and reflective films.

Georgia Contract Activity Ends '04 17 Percent Ahead of Last Year

With an 11 percent increase in December, the value of contracts for future construction in the state of Georgia increased by 17 percent during 2004, compared to 2003, McGraw-Hill Construction reported.

Overall, contracts for the month totaled approximately $1.8 billion, compared to last December's $1.7 billion. Nonresidential contracts increased by a significant 59 percent from a year ago, to total nearly $548.7 million. The biggest sector, residential, improved by 5 percent to total approximately $1.1 billion. The nonbuilding sector's total for the month was down by a dramatic 30 percent, tallying $185.9 million.

For all of 2004, Georgia activity ended up 17 percent ahead of 2003, with about $23.6 billion in contracts reported. Residential was 21 percent ahead of last year, with approximately $14.6 billion in new contracts. Nonresidential was 12 percent ahead, with nearly $6 billion. Also, despite its December dip, the nonbuilding category ended up 9 percent ahead of 2003, with slightly more than $3 billion in new contracts reported.

Batson-Cook Breaks Ground on The Reynolds

Batson-Cook, with offices in Atlanta and West Point, Ga., recently began work on The Reynolds, a $23.8 million mixed-use facility in Atlanta's SoNo district, located between downtown and midtown. In addition to 130 residential units, the project will include 9,000 sq. ft. of retail space and a 276-space parking deck.

Urban Realty Partners is the project owner. Surber Barber Choate & Hertlein designed the 16-story, 330,000-sq.-ft. building.

Construction Begins on Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center

Juneau Construction of Atlanta has started construction of the $15.6 million Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center in Gwinnett County. Atlanta architecture firm Lord, Aeck & Sargent designed the two-story, 50,000-sq.-ft. educational facility, and will also be responsible for construction administration. The facility's programs and interactive exhibits will explore the impact of water as well as the water management challenges society will face in the years ahead. The facility is anticipated to open in fall 2006.

The building is sited on the grounds of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center. The GEHC will be a blend of indoor and outdoor classroom space, exterior landscapes and exhibits, a collection of permanent and rotating displays, and interactive and hands-on learning opportunities to teach K-12 and adult audiences about Gwinnett County and the state of Georgia's environmental heritage. It features sustainable design strategies that are intended as a model for building water and energy efficient structures.