A nationwide manufacturer of custom hotel and hospitality millwork announced last week it will relocate to Dawson County.

"We're excited to be coming home to Dawson County," said Eric Sutton, president of Five Star Architectural, an industry leader in commercial and residential cabinetry.

Currently based in Gainesville, the company is set to break ground April 8 on a 22,000-square-foot manufacturing facility off Grizzle Road in Grogan Business Park.

Sutton said the transition could be complete by September.

"There will be 14 employees that will be moving to our new building, and they're all from the Dawson and Forsyth County area," Sutton said.

A planned expansion in the next few years could also mean 10 to 12 more new jobs, Sutton said.

Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, said Sutton's decision is further proof that the Ga. 400 corridor is a hub for industrial growth.

"We've had several new businesses make announcements that they are coming to Dawson County in recent months," Auvermann said. "This is another example that new businesses are interested in Dawson County."

Sutton agreed the new location's proximity to Ga. 400 was a major factor in the decision to relocate.

"Being close to the 400 corridor makes it easily accessible to the Atlanta area for our suppliers and for product shipping. That's a huge convenience," he said.

Sutton and his wife, Allison, have lived in Dawson County since 2000. They have two children, Collin and Carley.

"This is our hometown. We're excited to be part of the community we live in. It's always been a goal of ours to be in Dawson County," he said.