A French electrical-equipment heavyweight has officially planted its flag in unincorporated Gwinnett County near Suwanee, cutting the ribbon this week on a new factory that is expected to bring roughly 300 jobs. The company poured about $10 million into retrofitting an existing building on Shawnee Industrial Way, where workers will assemble low-voltage power gear for hospitals, data centers and other major electricity users.
According to a press release from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Gov. Brian Kemp and county leaders were on hand for the ceremony as Socomec committed nearly $10 million to the site at 2935 Shawnee Industrial Way. Hiring for production and operations roles is slated to begin in early Q1 2026. The project was first announced last November.
What the plant will make
As reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Socomec focuses on low-voltage energy-performance systems used by hospitals and data centers, and the company qualifies for job-creation tax credits as well as worker training through Georgia Quick Start. Socomec is a century-old French industrial group that launched its U.S. subsidiary in 2009 and says the new Georgia operation will help accelerate its North American growth. More background on the company is available on Socomec.
Jobs, training and local reaction
Local economic-development partners, including Partnership Gwinnett, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Quick Start, helped recruit the project, according to Partnership Gwinnett. County leaders say the investment bolsters Gwinnett's manufacturing base and gives local workers a new path into skilled production roles.
Why it matters
The opening comes as Georgia is in the middle of a surge in data-center construction and related upgrades to the state's power grid, trends that make in-state suppliers and assemblers more valuable, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Officials say landing a plant that serves those markets helps Gwinnett capture more supply-chain work and keep those jobs close to home.
Socomec said hiring for production and operations roles is expected to begin in early Q1 2026, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Job seekers are expected to see openings posted through company channels and local job boards. The project also expands Gwinnett's roster of international manufacturers, according to Partnership Gwinnett.
