Stow Opens First U.S. Manufacturing Plant in Georgia

Warehouse racking manufacturer expands domestic production as distributors invest in automation and supply-chain efficiency

Stow Group has opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia, establishing a domestic production base for industrial racking and storage systems as the European manufacturer expands into the North American market.

The company inaugurated the 240,000-square-foot facility in Calhoun, Ga., on Oct. 15. The plant is Stow's eighth manufacturing facility worldwide and its first in the United States.

The facility is expected to support approximately 200 jobs at full capacity, with 120 positions already filled. Stow said additional hiring is underway for production, engineering, quality control and operations positions. The company estimates its investment in the operation, excluding the building, at $40 million to $50 million.

The opening follows Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's August 2025 announcement that the Belgium-based company planned to establish a manufacturing presence in Gordon County. At the time, state officials said Stow would invest $36 million and create approximately 200 jobs. Stow began production at the Calhoun plant in May, ahead of the formal October inauguration.

The operation manufactures punch and roll-formed teardrop racking systems engineered to U.S. codes, including RMI 2023 standards. The facility uses fully automated production lines and robotic precision welding.

Stow said domestic production is expected to reduce lead times for U.S. customers from roughly 12-15 weeks for imported racking to approximately six to nine weeks, while reducing exposure to ocean freight disruptions, tariffs and currency fluctuations.

"This plant is not just a manufacturing facility; it is a statement of intent," said Jos De Vuyst, CEO of Stow Group. "We are committed to the North American market for the long term."

De Vuyst said Calhoun will not be the company's last U.S. plant as stow pursues additional market share and investment in North America. The Georgia operation is already supplying projects across the country.

Stow expects the facility to have the capacity to process approximately 100 million pounds of steel annually by the end of 2026. The manufacturing investment also expands stow's broader North American network. Its commercial hub in Romeoville, Ill., provides sales and service and offers conventional pallet racking, the company's semi-automated pallet shuttle system and automated warehouse systems from Movu Robotics, stow's warehouse automation brand.

Georgia officials initially highlighted Gordon County's transportation infrastructure and proximity to Southeast markets as factors supporting the project. Stow's facility occupies an existing building along Highway 41 near Adairsville. With the plant now operating, Stow said it is already considering additional capacity in Georgia as part of its effort to expand its North American manufacturing and warehouse automation footprint.