Key Industries

Middle Georgia, home to a large concentration of aerospace-related industries, is known as Georgia’s “Aerospace Corridor.” The region hosts over 100 aerospace companies and contractors and employs more than 30,000 aerospace workers. Competitive wage rates below national averages, a favorable labor environment, and specialized workforce training programs give aerospace companies a strong advantage. The area was ranked one of the “101 Great Locations in the South for Aviation & Aerospace” by Southern Business & Development.

Robins Air Force Base, located in northeastern Houston County, naturally anchors the aerospace and defense sector.

Recently, over 500 personnel accepted early retirement options from Robins Air Force Base, many aged 35 to 55. This creates a pool of skilled workers available for industry, including Industrial Engineers, Production Control Specialists, Quality Assurance Specialists, Aircraft Electricians, Structures and Corrosion Control Specialists, and Aircraft Generalists. Detailed workforce data tailored to company needs is available.

Aerospace companies in Georgia can accelerate development and expand markets through the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace, which offers research partnerships, new product development, and technical expertise. For more information, visit Aerospace.GeorgiaInnovation.org.

Houston County’s manufacturing strength is further reinforced by the presence of Graphic Packaging International, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging. With operations in the county, Graphic Packaging provides high-quality paperboard packaging solutions for food, beverage, and consumer products companies worldwide. Beyond its production footprint, the company serves as a major local employer, offering stable, skilled jobs while supporting the regional supply chain and logistics network. Its long-term investment in facilities, workforce training, and sustainability initiatives reflects both confidence in Houston County’s business climate and a commitment to strengthening the area’s economic future.

Houston County’s easy access to Interstate 75, Interstate 16, rail lines, and air transport makes it a prime location for distribution and logistics companies. These firms benefit from the county’s transportation infrastructure, which facilitates efficient movement of goods and services.

The Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics helps logistics firms increase efficiency, develop new business, and capitalize on opportunities. The center provides workforce education and training, transportation analysis, and data mapping of industry assets to support growth.

According to the Middle Georgia Freight and Logistics Study, the region is well-positioned to capitalize on economic growth and freight industry trends, supported by growth at the Port of Savannah, establishing Middle Georgia as a manufacturing and freight distribution hub.

Food production is a cornerstone of Houston County’s economy, led by major operations that serve national and global markets. Frito-Lay operates one of its largest U.S. facilities in Perry, producing millions of pounds of snack products annually and serving as a major regional employer. Perdue Farms maintains significant poultry processing operations in the county, supporting Georgia’s leading agribusiness sector with integrated production and distribution. Jack Link’s has also invested in Houston County with a large-scale protein snack manufacturing facility, further strengthening the region’s position in value-added food processing.

The county’s robust utility infrastructure—including abundant water resources and excess water and sewer capacity—provides the reliability and scalability required for food and beverage production. This infrastructure advantage continues to attract and retain high-volume manufacturers.

Supporting these operations is a strong workforce pipeline, highlighted by the industrial maintenance partnership with the Houston County Career Academy (HCCA). Through hands-on training aligned with industry needs, students gain skills in advanced manufacturing systems, automation, and equipment maintenance—creating a direct pathway from classroom to production floor and ensuring local manufacturers have access to highly trained technical talent.