he Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced Tuesday that Neaton Rome Inc., a leading automotive product manufacturer, will expand in Floyd County, creating 50 jobs and investing $8 million into the project.

“Neaton’s success is Georgia’s success, and 50 more Georgians will now have good jobs to provide for themselves and their families,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “Georgia has become the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business because our pro-jobs policies allow companies such as Neaton to thrive. I congratulate Neaton, the city of Rome and Floyd County on this success and celebrate this expansion.”

Neaton Rome, part of Neaton Auto Products Manufacturing, Inc., has had a presence in Georgia for more than 13 years and currently employs 470 Georgians. With this expansion, Neaton Rome will be adding four new injection molding presses to their existing manufacturing facility. Neaton has been successful in employing technically skilled workers to accommodate their continued growth. As a result of this newest expansion, Neaton will seek to employ more of these positions. Positions will be posted on the jobs page at romega.com.

“Due to increased sales, we are excited to announce our fifth expansion and reinvestment opportunity in Rome and Floyd County,” said Naoki “Nick” Horikawa, President of Neaton Rome. “The success in filling technical and quality positions has resulted in success for our company.”

Neaton Rome is an OEM automotive supplier for airbags, steering wheels and interior/exterior plastic trim for some of the world’s leading automobiles. This newest Neaton Rome expansion is one of a long line of expansions.

There are more than 250 automotive manufacturing facilities in Georgia. These facilities collectively employ nearly 18,000 Georgians. Carl Campbell, GDEcD senior project manager of the existing industry team, assisted Neaton Rome on behalf of the state of Georgia. The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority and the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce have collectively supported this expansion.

“I am always excited to see existing manufacturers investing in Rome and Floyd County,” said Rome Mayor Jamie Doss.

“Neaton’s reinvestment continues to show the importance of our existing industry,” said Floyd County Commission Chairman Irwin Bagwell. “This announcement of adding jobs in our community is always welcomed and I am glad that Neaton has found Rome and Floyd County a great place to continue to do business.”

“Neaton Rome’s newest expansion underscores how Georgia’s competitive business climate is advancing existing industry,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “When growing companies choose Georgia to call home, they find a skilled workforce, a vast industry network and a solid transportation infrastructure to support their success.”