The Hillman Companies, Inc. broke ground in Shannon, Georgia, on a new distribution center for its Protective Solutions division, which comprises its “flagship brands” such as Firm Grip and AWP, the company said.

About 200 employees, including 50 new hires, are expected to work at the 450,000-square-foot facility. The new distribution center will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022, Hillman said.

The company currently operates three separate facilities in Rome, Smyrna and Adairsville, Georgia. The expansion is expected to combine the entire operation under one roof for “increased efficiencies,” the company said.

The Hillman Group also will receive a 10-year tax abatement package for the development of the facility, with a 100% abatement the first year and decreasing by 10% each year thereafter.

“The city of Rome and Fulton County have been tremendous partners throughout the years, and we are proud to be a part of this vibrant and growing community,” said Frank Stephens, vice president of supply chain and distribution at Hillman Solutions. “The new facility will allow us to better serve our retailers while creating a more cohesive setting for the entire team.”

The latest expansion announcement follows news that Hillman will build an expansion for a state-of-the-art distribution center in Jacksonville, Florida. The facility includes “numerous artificial intelligence automation systems and technological upgrades,” the company said in October.