Key Industries
A manufacturing economy that leads
Northwest Georgia's economy centers on the floor-covering sector — but the region is diversifying rapidly into automotive supply, appliance production and advanced manufacturing.
The region is home to the top four carpet companies, and Georgia produces roughly 85% of all U.S. manufactured carpet. Beyond that traditional strength, growth in auto-supply manufacturing and appliance production is accelerating — driven in part by proximity to Volkswagen, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai plants across the Southeast.
Floor covering
The region's signature industry — home to the top four carpet companies. Georgia produces roughly 85% of all U.S. manufactured carpet.
Automotive supply
Growth driven by proximity to Volkswagen, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai assembly plants across the Southeast.
Appliance & durable goods
Appliance production and durable-goods manufacturing build on the region's deep industrial workforce.
Advanced manufacturing
Brake systems, mills and industrial producers anchor a diversified manufacturing economy.
Industry mix, 2025
Share of employment by sector across the four counties.
| Category | Catoosa | Chattooga | Dade | Walker | NW GA | Chatt. MSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goods-producing | 11.3% | 9.8% | 11.0% | 12.6% | 11.6% | 11.6% |
| Service-providing | 81.9% | 78.3% | 76.8% | 77.4% | 79.6% | 79.6% |
| Unclassified | 3.1% | 2.6% | 0.9% | 2.5% | 2.6% | 3.0% |
| Government | 3.6% | 9.1% | 11.4% | 7.5% | 6.4% | 7.0% |
Notable employers
Leading employers by county, listed alphabetically (not by employee count). Data reflects Q1 2025 and excludes most government agencies.
Catoosa
- Costco Wholesale
- Five Star Food Service
- Food City
- Green Mountain Forestry
- NHC of Fort Oglethorpe
- Propex Operating Company
- Publix Super Market
- Shaw Industries Group
- The Home Depot
- Walmart
Chattooga
- Georgia Department of Corrections
- Ingles Markets
- Mohawk Carpet Distribution
- Mount Vernon Mills
- Oakview Health and Rehabilitation
- Showa Best Glove
- Trycon Tufters
- United Water Solutions
- Walmart
- Zaxby's
Dade
- Bull Moose Tube Co.
- Covenant College
- Creative Dining Services
- Food City
- Lake Region Medical
- McLemore Resort
- Mikell Camp & Conference Center
- Primary Health Care Center of Dade
- TFX Medical Wire Products
- Vanguard National Trailer Corp
Walker
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Enviroquip Parts
- Food City
- Lucent Group
- Nissin Brake Georgia
- Roper Corporation
- See Rock City
- Shaw Industries Group
- Walmart
All four counties offer tax abatements on qualified real and personal property for new and expanding companies. Explore incentives →
Ready to grow at the top of Georgia?
Our team provides confidential site-selection assistance, data and incentive guidance at no cost. Let's talk about your project.
Call 706.375.5793 or email info@northwestgeorgia.us