News Summary
BioLab has announced the permanent closure of its manufacturing operations in Conyers following a significant chemical fire. While the manufacturing facility will not reopen, the Conyers Distribution Center will continue to operate, retaining around 100 jobs. Local officials are focused on mitigating the financial impact on families and enhancing job opportunities in the area. The company faces pressure to implement stronger chemical safety measures in light of the recent incident, as residents express relief over the plant’s closure and prioritize health safety.
Conyers, Georgia
BioLab has announced the permanent closure of its manufacturing operations in Conyers following a major chemical fire in September 2024. After a thorough evaluation of future business needs and alternative production options, the company decided that it would not reopen the facility.
In recent months, BioLab has made noteworthy progress in the cleanup of the Conyers site, completing remediation efforts on the areas impacted by the fire. Although the manufacturing aspect of the plant will not resume, the Conyers Distribution Center will continue its operations, ensuring that customer orders are fulfilled through other production facilities. This decision aims to maintain service continuity while assessing future business strategies.
The closure will result in job reductions at the Conyers location. However, BioLab has committed to retaining approximately 100 positions, particularly within the distribution center. A limited number of employees involved in the manufacturing processes will stay on to assist with transition activities as the company shifts its focus away from production in Conyers.
Local officials in Rockdale County have underscored the financial implications of the closure for local families and have pledged to bolster job opportunities through initiatives like the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council. Economic development efforts will prioritize the health and safety of residents, especially in light of the serious chemical incident that occurred at the BioLab facility.
The fire that occurred at the BioLab plant generated a toxic chemical plume that affected several nearby metro Atlanta counties and necessitated mass evacuations. In response to the incident, a local environmental advocacy group has recognized BioLab’s decision to cease manufacturing as a significant step towards accountability regarding chemical safety issues tied to the facility.
The Committee to Protect Rockdale has urged local government officials to implement stronger chemical safety measures. They are also advocating for the denial of future business licenses for KIK Consumer Products, the parent company of BioLab, citing the company’s history of hazardous materials handling. Over the past two decades, BioLab has faced numerous OSHA citations related to its storage of hazardous materials and has been linked to various chemical incidents.
Residents of Conyers have expressed relief regarding the closure of the manufacturing plant, noting their long-standing concerns about safety and the potential health risks from previous chemical releases. These local sentiments have been echoed by the emphasis on the importance of site cleanup and the implementation of health protection measures in the community.
As the BioLab plant shifts towards a distribution-centric model, the focus remains on ensuring the health and safety of Conyers residents while providing support for the affected workforce and pursuing economic development initiatives that will stimulate job growth in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Authorities Cite BioLab for Chemical Violations After Toxic Fire
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Chemical Safety
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Health
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Conyers Georgia
- WSB TV
- Google News: BioLab closure
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Chemical Incident
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
