Newton County's manufacturing base continues to buoy the local job market, as four existing industries and two new industries are expected to hire workers.

The Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Department of Labor are hosting a job fair for the six industries from 8 a.m. to noon, Oct. 18 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (formerly DeKalb Technical College), 8100 Bobby Williams Parkway.

The total number of jobs being sought is not known, but one of the existing industries is planning to hire an additional 50 to 60 employees, Chamber President Hunter Hall told the Covington City Council Monday night.

The two new industries are in the final stages of negotiation and have not yet been announced, said Roger Harrison, senior vice president of economic development. Both industries are planning to move into existing buildings in Covington.

Some of the industry sectors being represented are general advanced manufacturing, metal fabrication and plastics extrusion. Shannon Davis, existing industry retention and expansion officer, said there is expected to be a range of manufacturing jobs, including forklift drivers, line workers and quality assurance among others.
"People are hiring, and that's a direct result of the strong industrial base," Hall said Monday.

Davis said about 800 residents attended the last job fair in April, and she expects a similar turnout this time around. In general, attendees would benefit from being as prepared and professional as possible. Job seekers need to bring an up-to-date resume, dress appropriately and be patient, as there is likely to be a bit of a wait at times.

"We are very thankful for your stepped up efforts, both of you (Hall and Harrison). We've had more prospects (recently) than in the last four years that I've been mayor," Mayor Kim Carter said Monday. "It's a direct result of this concentrated effort (and) your all's great relationship at the state."