A paved path winds beneath large oak trees draped with Spanish moss in a sunlit, wooded area of the Golden Isles.

A cable-stayed bridge spans a wide river beneath a partly cloudy sky in the golden isles, with a large cargo ship labeled DEM FIVE passing underneath.

Aerial view of a sandy beach in the golden isles, with scattered grass patches, gentle waves, and a few people walking near the shoreline.

New Business & Growth

We Make, We Thrive

The industrial sector is a vital component of the local economy and the focus of the GIDA’s attraction and expansion efforts. Some of the greatest ad valorem tax-paying entities in Glynn County are industrial facilities.

Industrial Impact

Because manufacturing is a capital-intensive activity, industrial property typically contributes more significantly to the tax digest than other land uses. In Glynn County, industrial acreage represents just 1.3% of the county’s total land area, yet industrial property accounts for 9.1% of the total tax digest value. Over the past five years, the industrial digest grew by nearly 47%, increasing from $1.572 billion in 2020 to $2.304 billion in 2025. This growth underscores the substantial economic impact and tax revenue generated by industrial development.

Manufacturing Wages

As of the first quarter of 2026, there were 2,201 people employed in manufacturing in Glynn County, and manufacturing paid an average annual wage of $81,126, a wage that is 44% higher than the average of all industries in Glynn County ($56,207).

TOP 10 TOTAL REAL & PERSONAL TAX 2024

BRUNSWICK CELLULOSE INC	$4,505,501
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY	$2,934,574
SEA ISLAND COMPANY, INC	$1,157,363
LIVEOAK FIBER	$438,850
SEA ISLAND ACQUISITION	$436,146
SYMRISE	$349,763
ET WALKERS POINT POE LP	$345,134
RICH PRODUCTS	$360,032
KING & PRINCE SEAFOOD CORP	$347,714
VKS QOZB LLC	$342,007

A man in a suit and sunglasses speaks at a podium with an Amazon sign outdoors, with parked cars and trees in the background.

Aerial view of a large warehouse building with adjacent parking lot, small pond, and landscaped area, surrounded by forested land.

Three people in business attire stand together indoors; the man in the center holds a wooden plaque. A sign behind them reads Golden Isles Development Authority..

A group of people sit at tables in a brewery event space, listening to a man speaking at a podium. Blue ribbons and greenery hang from the ceiling as decorations.

Innovation

Success Story: Sea Island Forge

Sea Island Forge began with Steve and Sandy Schoettle’s vision of combining their backgrounds in construction, custom furniture, product design, photography, and art with a shared passion for bringing people together. Since introducing its signature Fire Kettle at the Sea Island Farmers Market in 2014, the family-owned company has continued to grow its team of metalsmiths and expand its collection of heirloom-quality outdoor products.

Problem:

As demand increased, Sea Island Forge needed additional production equipment to improve capacity, keep pace with customer orders, and pursue new opportunities for business growth.

Solution:

GIDA awarded Sea Island Forge a $10,000 Share the Future Fund Grant to reimburse qualifying equipment expenses at its Brunswick facility. The grant supported a larger equipment investment exceeding $20,000 and was designed to help the company increase production and supply.

Results:

The new equipment will help Sea Island Forge expand its production capabilities and position the company to grow into additional markets and product opportunities. The investment supports the continued development of a local manufacturer committed to craftsmanship, family, community, and meaningful human connection.

A wooden boardwalk winds through dense green bushes under an orange sky at sunset.

We Invite You To Stay Connected