South Korean factory should bring 80 jobs to Macon. Here’s where, when it will open

Micah Johnston
·2 min read
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A South Korean automotive supply company announced Wednesday it would open a facility in Macon, according to a press release from the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority.

The company, Boogook Industries, will redevelop the old Brown and Williamson cigarette plant on Weaver Road near the Macon Downtown Airport in the industrial area of east Bibb, the press release said.

The plant is expected to open in 2024 and create 80 full-time jobs in Macon.

“Our location in the state of Georgia and easy access to interstates and highways makes us a prime location for industries looking to move their products quickly and efficiently,” Mayor Lester Miller said in the release. “I want to thank the Industrial Authority for their ongoing efforts, and to welcome Boogook Georgia as the newest member of Team Macon-Bibb.”

Job fields will include management, manufacturing, assembly and delivery, the press release said. Boogook committed to investing a total of $6.8 million into the project.

Boogook specializes in fluid containers for cars, according to the MBCIA, and chose the location because of the nearby Hyundai plant in Savannah and Kia plant in West Point.

The facility will be the first American plant for Boogook. The former cigarette factory they will develop was one of the largest employers in Macon, with B&W employing 3000 workers at its peak in 1997, according to a report from the New York Times.

“Our leadership recognized the unique opportunity to support our Korean automotive manufacturing partners more locally,” said Joong Suk Oh, Chief Executive Officer of Boogook Georgia. “Expanding operations to Macon will be a driving force for our ability to serve the Southeast U.S., and we look forward to a successful partnership with the MBCIA.”

The former cigarette plant closed roughly 16 years ago, according to Telegraph archives, and was sold to Los Angeles-based company Industrial Realty Group for redevelopment in 2021. It was unclear in the MBCIA statement how IRG developed the property.