New York-based nutritional supplement company NBTY selected Augusta, Ga., as the site for their new southeastern manufacturing facility. The $40 million facility will initially create 250 new jobs in Augusta, and is one of the largest industrial announcements in the State of Georgia and the southeastern United States this year.

NBTY Inc. of Bohemia, N.Y., will purchase a 400,000 square foot building in South Augusta and begin moving equipment in a few months, said Walter Sprouse, the executive director of the Development Authority of Richmond County.

NBTY, which has 38 factories and distribution centers worldwide, chose Augusta because of the business-friendly environment and the quality of the work force, according to Harvey Kamil, President and CFO of NBTY.

“The entire Augusta group has been very helpful … you want to go where you’re wanted,” said Kamil.

The Development Authority of Richmond County approved a $40 million industrial revenue bond that will help the company finance the operation. NBTY will hire about 250 employees initially and could begin production in six months, according to Sprouse. The company also purchased an additional 27 acres for future expansion.

NBTY produces more than 1,500 nutritional supplements under several brand names, including MET-Rx, Sundown, Rexall, Nature’s Bounty, Carb Solutions and CarbWise. It also produces private-label brands for Wal-Mart and other major chains. The company, which also operates Vitamin World and Nutrition Warehouse stores in the United States, had $420 million in sales during the last quarter of 2004, was named Wal-Mart supplier of the year in 2003 and was recognized as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies by Fortune magazine in 2004.