ATLANTA — Georgia has been named the No. 1 state for business for the 13th consecutive year by Area Development magazine.

The ranking is based on scores across 15 categories. Georgia also ranked No. 1 for access to skilled manufacturing labor, cooperative and responsive government and overall speed to market.

Gov. Brian Kemp said the results show Georgia is at the heart of the American comeback story across a wide range of industries. He said the projects and partnerships cultivated over the past eight years will further the state’s momentum in the years to come.

Georgia Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said speed to market is critical to ensuring companies can operate efficiently and achieve the results they need to grow. He credited the state’s stable, long-term vision and investment in business success for helping Georgia stand out.

The ranking comes on the heels of an announcement that tire manufacturer Pirelli plans to expand its factory in Rome.

The $1.2 billion expansion is expected to bring another 1,000 jobs to North Georgia. The expansion is expected to be fully operational in about seven years, with the bulk of hiring expected to begin in about three years.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.