A Czech-owned provider of gas cylinders has opened a new distribution facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 9, 2023. The company, Atlanta Cylinder Inc., is a subsidiary of Cylinders Holding as, which is one of the largest producers of steel cylinders for industrial gases, hydrogen and compressed natural gas in the world. The new facility will import and distribute the Czech-made cylinder packs to customers in the United States.
A Long-Awaited Goal
The CEO and Chairman of Cylinders Holding, Jan Svetlik, said that entering the US market has been a long-cherished goal since the company started selling here in 1996. He said that after a mishap in China in 2008, where “thieves” stole the company’s designs, Cylinders Holding decided to focus on the US market and be closer to its customers. He also said that the company aims to disrupt a niche industry that affects most advanced manufacturers in the US.
“We are not afraid of competition. We are here to offer something new, something better, something more efficient,” Svetlik said at the grand opening ceremony.
A Friendly Environment
The new facility is located at 5405 Rafe Banks Drive, under the same roof as Albaform Inc., another Czech company that supplies seat frames to automotive manufacturers in the South. Albaform’s CEO and owner, Monika Vintrlikova, who is also the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Georgia, welcomed the guests and said that her company and Atlanta Cylinder have a potential business partnership that goes beyond renting the warehouse.
“Our goal is to bring more Czech direct investment to the Hall district,” Vintrlikova said.
The Czech Ambassador to the United States, Miloslav Stasek, who was also present at the event, praised Georgia’s business environment and said that it offers “extremely friendly conditions” for Czech companies entering the US market. He said that he has been visiting Georgia frequently in recent months and has met with Governor Brian Kemp and other officials to promote bilateral relations.
“We are expanding our family of Czech companies here in Atlanta,” Stasek said.
A Growing Presence
According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, there are currently 14 Czech companies operating in Georgia, employing more than 1,000 people. The sectors include automotive, aerospace, engineering, manufacturing and logistics. Some of the notable examples are Ceylon LLC, a supplier of metal components for aircraft engines; Preciosa Lighting, a producer of crystal chandeliers; and Wikov Gear USA Inc., a manufacturer of gearboxes and transmissions.
The Czech Republic is also a source of foreign direct investment for Georgia. In 2020, Georgia received $17.4 million from the Czech Republic, ranking it as the 25th largest investor country. The total trade between Georgia and the Czech Republic amounted to $113.6 million in 2020, with Georgia exporting $40.2 million worth of goods and importing $73.4 million.
