The Albany-Dougherty Payroll Development Authority approved a five-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement for Coats & Clark North America. The agreement will assist the industry in redeveloping its North American distribution center located at 601 Holly Drive in Albany, Georgia.

The agreement includes Realty Income Corporation, owner of the property leased by Coats & Clark for operation of its distribution center.

Coats & Clark’s distribution facility, devastated by the tornado of January 22, 2017, had been operational in Albany since 2009.  Citing a long-standing relationship with Albany and Dougherty County, and through partnership with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, Coats & Clark resolved to build a new distribution center in the same location as the original structure.

"Coats is proud to recommit back to the City of Albany for the foreseeable future. We look forward to many years of continued success in Albany through both our manufacturing mill and newly rebuilt distribution center reopening in H1 2018," said Coats Crafts North America Vice President of Finance Keith Howard.

“I’m very proud to solidify Albany and Dougherty County’s relationship with Coats & Clark for years to come,” said Albany Mayor and PDA member Dorothy Hubbard. “Coats has made significant investments in the community for more than 70 years and is an outstanding corporate citizen.”

The newly rebuilt distribution center will be 370,000 square feet and is expected to become operational by May 2018.  Investment in the new facility is anticipated at $14 million and helps to secure more than 300 jobs in Albany-Dougherty County.

“Albany’s Coats & Clark manufacturing operation is the leading yarn production facility in the world,” said ADEDC President Justin Strickland. “Being able to keep their North American distribution center in our community, and in close proximity to their manufacturing facility, is a huge win for both Coats & Clark and Albany-Dougherty County. We look forward to strengthening this company’s legacy in Albany-Dougherty County and to continuing the partnership we have enjoyed with Coats for many years.” 

Coats & Clark’s North American distribution center employs more than 100 people in the Albany area; the manufacturing facility located at 901 Clark Avenue in Albany, Georgia employs more than 200 people. The yarn-producer has maintained manufacturing and distribution operations in Albany since 1947.