Acuity Brands Lighting, one of the largest manufacturers in Rockdale, recently announced plans to expand its operation, creating 700 jobs and investing more than $16 million into Rockdale and DeKalb counties over the next five years. After difficulty and miscommunication between the Development Authority and local leaders negotiating the incentive package, a tax abatement exempting the company on new and existing taxes for 10 years was worked out and approved.