Audi's Georgia Plant Deal Includes Option to Grow to $7 Billion

Audi of America finalized a $4 billion agreement to build a premium SUV manufacturing plant in middle Georgia, with state documents revealing a pathway to expand the project to $7 billion.

The development, announced by President Donald Trump at a rally in Perry last month, will be built on a 1,474-acre site shared by Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties. Phase one of the project is slated to create 4,500 direct jobs. Audi must secure at least 3,600 of those positions and commit $3.2 billion of its initial investment by December 31, 2033. The company expects to produce 200,000 vehicles annually once full operations begin in 2031.

State economic development records indicate that Audi holds an option for a second phase. This expansion would add another $3 billion in investment and 3,000 direct jobs to the existing facility. If triggered, the second phase would push annual payroll toward $500 million. The timeline for construction remains set for site grading in 2027, with physical construction starting in 2028.

In exchange for the plant, Audi will receive a 20-year property tax break beginning around 2028. The automaker agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes, totaling $295 million over that period for local communities. A second 20-year agreement would activate if the company proceeds with Phase 2, adding $237.5 million in payments to local governments through the late 2050s.

Local leaders describe the revenue-sharing structure as a key component of the deal. Under the agreement, Peach County will receive 57% of the funds. Houston County and Macon-Bibb County will each receive 19%, while the City of Fort Valley will receive 5%. Officials stated that this combined with the potential for expansion positions the region to rival coastal manufacturing hubs.

President Trump spoke with reporters before his Perry appearance last month. He noted that the head of Audi worldwide was present for the announcement. “We have the head of Audi worldwide and he’s going to be spending billions of dollars on a new plant right about 20 minutes from here.. It’s very exciting,” Trump said.

The first year of operations is projected to generate $28 million in local payroll, rising to $1.4 billion over five years. The site is currently undergoing preparation, with major earthwork scheduled to commence in 2027.