New industry talks jobs, plans
Hospitality, warm welcomes win over Malaysian company
By Anne Marie Kyzer annemariek@thetruecitizen.com

Rakesh Rathi, who will manage ASTA's Waynesboro plant, talks with Queensborough loan officer Jennifer Posey. Staff - Elizabeth Billips

Burke County is one step closer to nearly 80 more job opportunities.

Waynesboro's newest industry, ASTA Inc., has closed the deal on the former Cummins Filtrations facility and expects to begin production by November.

Local development authority members and other business leaders welcomed ASTA's top executives to the county at a ceremony last week.

According to company officials, some 70-80 jobs will be available this fall when ASTA begins production of specialized copper wire at the plant.

ASTA chief executive officer Pratik Basu told the crowd he had not even considered Georgia until he was introduced to Waynesboro and immediately won over by the community.

"What distinguishes you is the warmth of welcome ... the open arms, the genuine interest. It will go a long way," Basu said. "I assure you we will grow here, and we will look after your community."

Basu estimated the company's initial investment to be around $18-20 million and said he expects that number, along with employment opportunities, to grow over the next few years. He said plans are to utilize the entire 200,000-square-foot plant within five-10 years.

Before production begins, the company must retro-fit the building for its operation.

The 50-acre property was originally occupied by Kwikset, a lock manufacturer that employed more than 600 people at its peak.

The building was later purchased by Cummins Filtrations, which had approximately 300 fulltime and part time employees on its payroll when it closed in June of last year.