FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tammy Moseley Ray
(912) 604-1267 or
DRT, a French-based chemical manufacturer, conducted a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this week in Effingham County for DRT America, LLC, its first plant in the United States. About 75 guests attended the event.
DRT utilizes rosin and turpentine extracted from pine trees to produce products that are found in more than 250 items used by consumers. These include ingredients found in fragrances, adhesives, chewing gum, rubber, ink, varnish and paint.
The 12-acre plant, with state-of-the-art safety and pollution controls, will be built on 62 acres in the Effingham County Industrial Park and will initially employ 30-40 people. The location was selected for proximity to sources of raw materials for the benefit of a reduced ecological footprint. The expected completion date is spring 2017.
“This is an excellent site and we are very pleased that we were able to locate such an excellent company as DRT to build on it,” said John Henry, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. “This project represents not only a new, high-skilled industry locating in Effingham County, but it will also operate as DRT America, LLC’s U.S. headquarters. We are very proud to have them as a new corporate citizen.”
Corey Schneider, president of DRT America, LLC, said the company’s philosophy is founded on good corporate citizenship. “DRT takes pride in being a responsible business. Our development is based on three core values; acting ethically, behaving responsibly, and demonstrating respect for people and the environment. We’re pleased to be opening in Rincon. We were impressed by the county’s efforts in workforce development and we appreciate the support and cooperation we’ve received on the local and state levels.”
DRT (Les Dérivés Résiniques & Terpéniques) was established in 1932 and is headquartered in Dax, France. Worldwide, it employs about 1,200 people and has annual sales of approximately $391 million.
For more information, visit drtamerica.com.
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Photo cutline: Breaking ground at the DRT America, LLC site. Pictured from left are Chap Bennet, board chairman of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority; Stacy Watson, general manager of economic & industrial development at Georgia Ports Authority; Alyce Thornhill, Region 12 project manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development; Corey Schneider, president of DRT America, LLC; Laurent Labatut, president of DRT; John Henry, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority; Wendall Kessler, chairman of the Effingham County Board of Commissioners; Rep. Bill Hitchens and Sen. Jack Hill.
