Desiree Carver | The Valdosta Daily TimesLinde and Cook County representatives broke ground on a new facility Thursday morning. 

ADEL – The Linde Group broke ground in Adel Thursday morning, marking the beginning of construction for its new $40 million Cook County facility.

The new plant is expected to create up to 35 permanent jobs along with temporary jobs during the construction phase.

“This is a $40 million capital investment, which is the biggest ever for Cook County,” said Lisa Collins, Cook County Development Commission executive director.

Collins said construction is expected to be completed by early 2019.

The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany. It produces and sells atmospheric gases such as argon, liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen for a variety of industries including health care, food processing and metal manufacturing.

It currently has 10 sites in Georgia with 570 employees statewide, according to a Linde press release.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought in local dignitaries, including Mayor Buddy Duke, who is also Cook County EDC chairman, various representatives from state offices and Linde representatives.

“I want to officially welcome Linde Group to Adel and Cook County,” Duke said. “We look forward to having a good relationship with you and your company.”

The new plant will be located immediately north of of Cook County’s 3000-acre South Georgia Megasite on U.S. Highway 41.

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.