IN BRIEF: An industrial cleaning chemical manufacturer that would bring about 100 jobs to the county is reportedly closing on the former John Deere property that has been vacant on Dogwood Drive since 2010.

ABC Compounding Inc., is reportedly set to relocate to the 377,000 square foot property in Rockdale from its Clayton County location. The 73-year-old company had previously looked at and entered into an agreement for the location last year but had canceled the contract after one of the two owners retired after the November elections. Negotiations began again confidentially this year. "Phone calls and lunch meetings were carried on for several months," said Development Authority Chairman Mike Sullivan.

"It's a great building, and he got a darn good buy. He can expand his business all on one property," said Sullivan. "This is a big deal for Rockdale County in a number of ways. Now we're going to have someone move in and maintain the property." The purchases that the employees make will also contribute to the county's and school system's capital SPLOST funded capital projects.

Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council's new Director Marty Jones said, "I think it's great news for us. We're all ecstatic... That building's one of our premiere assets in the community. It's great to see a quality company go in there."

Sullivan and Jones said much of the credit went to former CREDC Director Glenn Sears. "As plant manager for several years, Glenn knew every nook and cranny in the building. That and knowing the names and contact info for the folks who maintained the property was a great help," said Sullivan.

The building will need some remodeling and the move will reportedly occur over a period of time.

The county is in the process of working with CSX to extend sewer pipes under the rail lines out to the area of the property.

The site had been the former southeast headquarters for John Deere and had served as offices and a distribution center until 2010 when the company consolidated to its McDonough location.

The closing is reportedly scheduled for Dec. 27.