Grupo Vialume, a company based in São Paulo, Brazil, will invest $4.4 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operations in Colquitt-Miller County, Georgia. The project is expected to create 150 new jobs over the next seven years.
Governor Brian Kemp announced the investment and said, “We are excited to welcome Grupo Vialume to Georgia after meeting with them in Brazil over the summer. The 150 new jobs this investment is bringing will have generational impacts on the Colquitt-Miller County community, creating long-term opportunities for hardworking Georgians.”
Grupo Vialume is a family-owned business founded in the 1980s that has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of advanced visibility solutions for transportation safety. Its main business, Vialume, is recognized as Brazil’s largest producer of reflective raised pavement markers and ranks among the top five manufacturers globally.
João Paulo Moura, CEO of Grupo Vialume, stated: “We are thrilled to expand our manufacturing footprint into Colquitt, Georgia. This decision reflects the growing demand for sustainable products, the strength of our supplier base in the United States, and the greater ease of exporting to our commercial partners. Combined with attractive tax incentives, the stability of the U.S. dollar, and the security of investing in such a strong market, Colquitt offers the ideal environment for Grupo Vialume to continue building a brighter, more sustainable future.”
The new facility will be located on E. Crawford Street in Colquitt and will include both manufacturing and recycling operations. It will produce plastic raised pavement markers and precision-engineered reflective lenses while also implementing circular-economy processes that convert materials like textile offcuts and peanut-shell byproducts into valuable products.
Renovations at existing facilities are scheduled for completion in 2026. Job openings will include positions such as production operators, injection machinists, salespersons, logistics experts, and management roles. Information about employment opportunities can be found at www.colquittmillerchamber.com.
Colquitt Mayor Preston Clenney commented: “I’m encouraged by the positive economic development we’re seeing because this project truly represents what collaboration can achieve. With support from the State of Georgia, the City Development Authority, and the dedicated leadership who have helped nurture this project, Grupo Vialume is creating new opportunities that will benefit our rural community for years to come.”
Chairman Ladon Calhoun of Miller County Board of Commissioners added: “Grupo Vialume isn’t just bringing new jobs – it’s breathing new life into a building that’s been underutilized for over a decade. Their investment in Colquitt-Miller County creates more opportunities for our residents and our neighboring communities, and a brighter future for the entire southwest Georgia region.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development was represented by Senior Project Manager Mellissa Takeuchi on this initiative along with local partners including Colquitt Downtown Development Authority and Electric Cities of Georgia.
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said: “Georgia’s international relationships open doors for opportunities of all sizes and across the state. Georgia is a consistent, long-term partner, and the longevity of our presence in markets such as Brazil where we celebrated 30 years of representation over the summer demonstrates these commitments. Congratulations to Grupo Vialume and Colquitt-Miller County on this amazing opportunity.”
