STATESBORO — With slightly more than 100 jobs, but more than $70 million in investment in the plant, Aspen Aerogels’ factory will be the largest new industry in Bulloch County since 2012.
The Development Authority of Bulloch County had been involved in discussions since a visit by Aspen Aerogels’ CEO in December. The city of Statesboro and county played roles in preparations to bring the plant here. But the local agencies left the announcement to Gov. Nathan Deal.

“Aspen Aerogels is a major addition to Georgia’s thriving technology industry,” Deal said in a news release last week. “The company’s Statesboro location offers close proximity to our top-notch transportation infrastructure and some of our first-class academic institutions. I am confident that our highly skilled workforce and competitive resources will be uniquely beneficial for Aspen’s growth in Georgia.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2016, said Benjy Thompson, the CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County.
“The preliminary estimate for the start of production would be the end of 2017,” Thompson said.
Aspen Aerogels makes aerogel thermal insulation used in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, liquefied natural gas facilities, power plants and similar operations. Aerogel is an ultralight, porous material made from a gel and noted for its insulating properties and very low density.

Aspen trades on the New York Stock Exchange with symbol ASPN, now employs more than 250 people at facilities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.