Grupo Vialume, a manufacturer based in São Paulo, Brazil, will invest $4.4 million to establish its 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 highlighted its potential impact on the region. “We are excited to welcome Grupo Vialume to Georgia after meeting with them in Brazil over the summer,” said Governor Kemp. “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 known as one of the largest global 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 worldwide.
João Paulo Moura, CEO of Grupo Vialume, explained why the company chose Georgia for its expansion: “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,” he said. “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 serve as an integrated manufacturing and recycling hub producing plastic raised pavement markers and precision-engineered reflective lenses. The site will also introduce circular-economy processes by converting materials previously considered unrecyclable—such as textile offcuts and peanut-shell byproducts—into valuable products and raw materials.
Facility upgrades are scheduled for completion in 2026. Job openings will include production operators, injection machinists, salespersons, logistics experts, and management positions.
Colquitt Mayor Preston Clenney commented on local collaboration efforts: “I’m encouraged by the positive economic development we’re seeing because this project truly represents what collaboration can achieve,” he said. “With support from the State of Georgia, the City Development Authority, and 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 noted: “Grupo Vialume isn’t just bringing new jobs – it’s breathing new life into a building that’s been underutilized for over a decade,” he said. “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.”
Senior Project Manager Mellissa Takeuchi represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development during this initiative alongside local organizations.
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson emphasized international relationships: “Georgia’s international relationships open doors for opportunities of all sizes and across the state,” Wilson said. “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.”
