BioLab, a major producer of pool and spa treatment chemicals, has been a vital part of Rockdale County’s economy since 1973, contributing significantly to the local tax base and employment. The company, which recently came under scrutiny following a chemical plant fire in Conyers, holds the distinction of being one of the county’s largest employers, with operations accounting for nearly 3% of the county’s assessed tax value.
Five years ago, BioLab expanded its presence in Rockdale with the construction of a 275,000-square-foot facility for producing and storing water treatment chemicals. This expansion, accompanied by a 10-year property tax exemption, was provided as part of a local incentive package by the Rockdale County government and the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council. Notably, school taxes were excluded from this deal.
Local leaders, including Rockdale Commission Chairman Oz Nesbitt, had praised BioLab’s investment at the time, recognizing the positive economic implications for the county. Marty Jones, Executive Director of the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council, called the expansion a “win for Rockdale County,” emphasizing both the job creation and additional investment in infrastructure.
BioLab’s financial significance is clear. In Rockdale County’s 2024 annual budget, the company was listed as the eighth-largest employer with 484 employees, and its operations were valued at over $113 million. However, this economic contribution comes with a history of safety incidents. The recent fire marks the fourth major event involving BioLab in the last two decades. Past incidents include a major fire at one of the company’s Louisiana facilities in 2020.
In response to the latest fire, Nesbitt acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Rockdale and BioLab but also voiced concerns about the repeated safety issues. He emphasized that while BioLab has been a valuable corporate partner, the county’s priority remains public health and safety.
BioLab has issued a statement expressing its regret over the fire, stating that its leadership team is actively working to address the situation and support the community.
