By Mary Welch

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- When the governor of Georgia takes time out of a highly competitive election to helicopter in to celebrate a groundbreaking, you know its important. And that is exactly what Gov. Nathan Deal did Aug. 5 as Surya broke ground on its $33.5 million operations center, which will measure one million sq. ft. and is expected to be completed by August 2015 with a target move-in date in late 2015.

The state-of-the-art facility will include 50,000 sq. ft. of office space and serve as the U.S. headquarters for the company's executive, administration, supply chain management, customer support, sales and creative development functions.The expansion is expected to add more than 200 new jobs in the North Georgia area.

Surya President Satya Tiwari acknowledge the crowd, which included the Consul General of India's Southeast office, Ajit Kumar, as well as various chamber of commerce, economic development officials and David Savula, executive vice president of leasing from AmericasMart.

"To optimally serve our customers, we need to not only have the best infrastructure possible for our warehousing operations and logistics but also a central location where our sales and marketing, design, creative, customer service and other teams can easily collaborate," said Satya Tiwari.

"Our location is ideal because we are able to support economic development in the community by bringing new jobs to the area while making our company more attractive to Atlanta talent due to the shorter commute time. This expansion is beneficial on many levels and we look forward to what the future will bring as we execute on our goal to become a $1 billion company within the next ten years."

The new facility is located 15 minutes south of Surya's current U.S. headquarters in Calhoun, Ga., which will continue to be used for warehousing some of the company's more than 30,000 products.

"One person can make a difference. My father is such a person. He was a teacher and therefore, underpaid," Tiwari said. "He knew the only way to improve life for his family was to start a company, which was a bold move in India. And, look at us now."

In the next decade Tiwari pledged that Surya, with revenues currently around $85 million, would be a $1 billion rug and home accessories company. "I am encouraged by our future and we have many people and companies who are helping us achieve our dream, from the governor's office, to state officials, to family members to SunTrust Bank," he said.

Gov. Deal welcomed Surya, the Tiwari family and the Indian community to Bartow County. "There are more than 40 Indian companies based in Georgia employing 2,000 Georgians," he said. "Indian-owned firms are among the top five investors in Georgia and one of the top 10 importers. They add new dynamics to the state."

Calling Tiwari a "visionary," Bartow County Commissioner Steve Taylor was generous with his praise of  both Satya and Surya Tiwari. "Mr. Tiwari has a great mind who is bringing a great company and investment to our area. We are incredibly proud to have Surya in our backyard and as part of  our future."

Satya Tiwari explained the difference between leading Surya and working in the banking industry in New York City. "When I worked in the banking industry I had a great time. I learned a lot, but I could only do things for myself and my family. But being an entrepreneur, coming to Georgia, I have really an awesome time running a business with 300-plus employees, plus several thousand that we will add in the next 10 to 12 years. I could not have done that in the service industry. So I'm really fortunate my father started this business. I'm really fortunate that Bartow County and the state of Georgia has accepted us as a great partner."

Calling himself a "global citizen," Tiwari promised that Surya intends to make a strong impact in the area, both economically and socially. "We will achieve our dreams here and we will help others achieve their dreams, and if we can help in anyway, reach out to us. We are a partner in this community and state."

Surya friends, executives and state and local dignitaries turn overr the first spades of earth for the new headquarters and distribution center. From left: Family friend Dr . Raman Singh; Ajit Kumar, Counsel General of India in the Southeast; Surya president Satya Tiwari; Surya Tiwari, company founder, and  Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.  


Everybody gets in on the act
Photos by Grady McGill

 08.6.14