Valdosta, Lowndes County is observing National Manufacturing Week from October 2-9, 2026, to celebrate the more than 5,000 individuals who work in the sector and drive the local economy. Niki Ogletree, president and CEO of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority (VLCDA), highlighted manufacturing as a "key economic driver" for Lowndes County, noting it currently employs 5,028 people. This represents a significant increase of 1,102 jobs over the past five years, according to Ogletree.
The growth in manufacturing jobs provides local families with opportunities to build their futures within Lowndes County, while also stimulating local spending, fostering business growth, and attracting further investment that strengthens the entire community. Ogletree emphasized that Valdosta-Lowndes County’s manufacturing landscape is diverse, encompassing advanced technology, automation, precision equipment, food production, glass and automotive manufacturing, chemical development, and the burgeoning field of high-tech uncrewed maritime systems.
This local expansion aligns with broader state trends. Georgia has earned the No. 1 ranking for business by Area Development magazine for the thirteenth consecutive year, with the state projected to add 36,600 manufacturing jobs over the next decade. Lowndes County has directly benefited from this statewide momentum. In the last two years, the area has successfully attracted national companies, including GAF, Walmart Dairy, P&B Cold Storage, Amazon, Oldcastle Infrastructure (Utility Plastics), and Blue Ops, Inc., which is the maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. These new investments have further strengthened both the manufacturing and food production sectors within the county, according to Ogletree.
Beyond new company attraction, existing industries in Lowndes County have also shown accelerated growth. This year alone, five local companies have collectively invested $26.2 million, resulting in the creation of 77 new jobs. These substantial investments have supported facility expansions, new construction projects, equipment upgrades, and other production improvements designed to increase capacity, enhance efficiency, and foster economic growth, as reported by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority.
Sustaining this manufacturing growth requires a strong, skilled workforce. The National Association of Manufacturers indicates that approximately half of the manufacturing jobs expected to be created over the next decade may go unfilled if more individuals are not inspired and adequately prepared for careers in modern manufacturing. Recognizing this challenge, the VLCDA is actively focused on building a robust workforce pipeline locally. This initiative involves introducing students to manufacturing careers at earlier stages, ensuring that education and training programs are aligned with current employer needs, and helping people understand that today’s manufacturing roles are considerably different from those of past generations.
Local educational institutions are playing a crucial role in this effort. Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School both offer strong Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. These programs provide students with essential hands-on experience and expose them to career pathways that are directly aligned with local employer demands. By developing technical skills, earning industry credentials, and gaining real-world experience before graduation, students are better prepared for well-paying, in-demand careers, including the high-tech opportunities now available in modern manufacturing.
Further strengthening the regional commitment to workforce development, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority also supports the WIN (Workforce Innovation Network) Regional College & Career Academy. This academy, which opened in August, serves students from Valdosta City Schools, as well as school systems in Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, and Lanier Counties. The WIN Academy is dedicated to preparing young people for careers in advanced manufacturing, alongside other high-demand industries such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality, which collectively shape the regional economy.
Ogletree emphasized that building tomorrow’s workforce starts with showing young people what career possibilities exist today. By connecting students with local manufacturers, providing clear training pathways, and offering firsthand career experiences, the VLCDA aims to help students build their futures while simultaneously developing the skilled workforce necessary to drive Valdosta-Lowndes County forward. As National Manufacturing Week continues, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority encourages residents to acknowledge the significant economic contributions of the manufacturing industry and the dedication of the more than 5,000 individuals who work daily to produce, innovate, and build within the community.
