Prospects for Columbus

Although my 2026 economic forecasts for Georgia predict little or no job growth, I expect Columbus will see significant job growth, mostly because of its success in landing private-sector economic development projects. In addition, defense-friendly politics favor Fort Benning, the area’s largest employer.

BioTouch is expanding two existing facilities, creating 480 jobs over the next four years. JS Link is building a magnet manufacturing facility that will employ 520 when it opens in 2027. Sigma Stretch Film of Georgia is opening a facility in December, creating 100 full-time jobs. J.M. Smucker is investing $120 million in its bakery that will add 48 jobs to the 350 already there. And Amazon opened a delivery station in 2025 that supports 200 jobs.

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