French glass maker Saint Gobain Desjonquères (SGD) will spend $4.2 million to add a fourth production line and create 35 news jobs at its plant in Covington, Ga. The expansion, which the company expects to be operational in August 2008, will increase production capacity to serve markets globally. SGD specializes in glass products for the perfume and pharmaceutical industries and traces its origins to 1665 as the "Manufacture Royale des Glaces" (Royal Manufacturer of Glass) for Louis the XIV, the Sun King of France. The company's 330,000-square-foot plant in Covington produces glass perfume bottles and decanters for Mary Kay, L'Oreal and Chanel. The Covington facility -- the company's only perfume bottle manufacturing site in North America -- was built in 1999 and employs 350. "We are always excited to see companies in Georgia thrive in the business-friendly environment that we have worked hard to foster and develop," said Ken Stewart, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner. "Our experienced workforce and easy access to the world's markets encourage international companies to grow their businesses here." SGD has a sister plant in Sparta, Ga., where the perfume bottles made in Covington are decorated. SGD employs a total of 900 in Georgia.
