{"id":3449,"date":"2023-05-15T17:44:41","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T21:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/?page_id=3449"},"modified":"2024-05-01T08:30:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T12:30:47","slug":"business-development","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/business-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Seda Annual Report 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business Development<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

Having companies choose our region for their business is the ultimate goal. Having those same companies stay and grow here is the ultimate reward. Growth by existing businesses makes our region more attractive to prospective companies, serving as indisputable proof of our area’s viability. In 2023, SEDA celebrated the growth and achievements of new and existing businesses and enacted new measures to ensure others have every reason to do the same.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Daechang Seat Savannah Corp., USA and SEDA at signing ceremony to locate in the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Three Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America suppliers choose Chatham County<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
SEDA tours the construction of the new facility by HMGMA supplier, PHA. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The year started out with a bang with the announcement on Feb. 1 that HMGMA supplier Seoyon E-HWA would be locating in the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center (SCMC) bringing 740 new jobs and $76 million in capital investment. Seoyon E-HWA makes door trims, headlining seats, bumpers, interior and exterior components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following close behind was PHA, who announced on March 6 that they would be creating 402 new jobs and $67 million in capital investment for their new location in SCMC. PHA makes door, tailgate and hood latches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And on Oct. 23, Daechang Seat Savannah Corp. announced they would be locating in SCMC making automotive seat frames for HMGMA and creating 500 new jobs and $72.5 million in capital investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Existing industries soar in 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Gulfstream Aerospace’s VP of Law and Public Affairs Jay Neely announces Gulfstream expansion. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On April 6, SEDA, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. and the Savannah\/Hilton Head International Airport celebrated the aviation industry. The celebration included the announcement that Gulfstream selected Chatham County for expansions that will bring 1,600 new jobs and $150 million in capital investment. The projects include the construction of a new Gulfstream Customer Support service center and the expansion of Gulfstream\u2019s manufacturing facility for the Gulfstream G400, Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince joining the Savannah community in 1967, Gulfstream has set itself apart as a leader in the aviation industry while creating thousands of jobs for hardworking Georgians,\u201d said Governor Brian Kemp. \u201cThis announcement is further evidence of their valued partnership with our state. Gulfstream engages with our technical college system and local schools to create opportunity while also participating in programs like Georgia Made and attracting top-tier suppliers to the region. I look forward to many more decades of partnership and success for Gulfstream in Savannah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are excited to announce the latest development in Gulfstream\u2019s support of the growing demand for our next-generation fleet around the world,\u201d said Gulfstream President Mark Burns. \u201cContinued investments in state-of-the-art products, modern customer support facilities and our communities sets Gulfstream apart in our industry, and we are grateful to our partners at the Savannah\/Hilton Head International Airport, the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, among others, for their support for our growth in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gulfstream flew the first purpose-built business aircraft in 1958 and relocated to Savannah in 1967. Today, more than 3,000 aircraft are in service around the world. Gulfstream currently employs more than 11,000 in Chatham County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore than 55 years ago, Gulfstream Aerospace chose Savannah as its home. Over the course of that time, they have become a major part of the Savannah region by investing in their facilities, creating high-wage jobs and giving back to the community through many initiatives and partnerships. We know today\u2019s announcements were competitive projects and we thank Gulfstream for once again choosing Savannah,\u201d said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials also celebrated the partnership of the Savannah\/Hilton Head International Airport and Gulfstream throughout the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has been our great fortune to have such a great and impactful partner as Gulfstream for more than half a century. This partnership has resulted in one of the largest aeronautical complexes in the world here at SAV,\u201d said Savannah Airport Commission Executive Director Greg Kelly. \u201cThis would not have been possible without substantial effort, coordination and teamwork throughout the years by both Gulfstream and the Savannah Airport Commission. This same level of partnership continues today as new facilities are underway along with planning for future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

HMGMA expands before even one vehicle is produced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution signing on Aug. 31, 2023.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution (LGES) announced on Aug. 31 that they would invest an additional $2 billion in their battery cell manufacturing joint venture (JV) at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County, raising the JV\u2019s total investment value to more than $4.3 billion. This expansion will create another 400 new jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn a single year, we broke ground on the largest project in state history, landed multiple suppliers across the state for Hyundai\u2019s Metaplant, and welcomed LGES to Bryan County. Today, we\u2019re building on that success as we continue to make Georgia the e-mobility capital of the nation,\u201d said Governor Brian Kemp. \u201cThese types of major investments ultimately go to hardworking Georgians in the form of paychecks, improved schools and infrastructure, and more. Thank you to Hyundai Motor Group and LGES for again recognizing that the No. 1 state for business is a good investment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis incremental investment in Bryan County reflects our continued commitment to create a more sustainable future powered by American workers,\u201d said Jos\u00e9 Mu\u00f1oz, president and global COO, Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO, Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. \u201cHyundai is proud to partner with LGES and we are grateful for the support of Governor Kemp and the many communities throughout the State of Georgia that help drive our operations everyday as we work to be a global leader in the electrified mobility industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In May 2023, Hyundai Motor Group and LGES signed a memorandum of understanding establishing LGES as the partner for HMGMA’s onsite battery cell manufacturing JV. With this announcement, the EV manufacturing facility and the battery JV represents an estimated $7.59 billion in investment and will create 8,500 new jobs for the region over the next eight years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn collaboration with our trusted partner Hyundai Motor Group, this investment underscores our dedication to driving America\u2019s EV transition while bolstering the local economy through the creation of quality jobs,\u201d said Dong-Myung Kim, president and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery Division of LG Energy Solution. \u201cThanks to the support from the State of Georgia, we are excited to bring in our top-quality products and storied operational experience to grow together with its communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 30 GWh facility will be able to support the production of 300,000 units of EVs annually at full operations. Hyundai Mobis will assemble battery packs using cells from the plant, then supply them to the Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s U.S. manufacturing facilities for production of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis EV models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday\u2019s announcement that Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution will make an additional investment in the onsite EV battery cell manufacturing joint venture will bring 400 additional well-paying jobs for those in the Savannah region,\u201d said Carter Infinger, Chairman of the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority. \u201cThe continued investment by Hyundai Motor Group and the announced suppliers like LG Energy Solution is truly remarkable and will be transformative for our region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGovernor Kemp set a goal of Georgia becoming the top location for EV manufacturing in the United States, and with this announcement today, the state is in a great position to claim that distinction,\u201d said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. \u201cThrough our focus on building an ecosystem that supports the entire EV supply chain, Georgia continues to add to our industry-leading success, bringing the jobs of the future home to Georgians in every corner of the state. State and community partners like the Savannah-area JDA, utility providers, Georgia Ports Authority, and Georgia Quick Start create a collaborative, business-friendly environment that sets Georgia up for success. Congratulations to LGES, Hyundai Motor Group and all the partners we are celebrating today!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Naturals2Go locates in SCMC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Naturals2Go announcement that they would be locating at the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At SEDA\u2019s Nov. 14 board of directors meeting, VendTech International, the company behind the Naturals2Go vending machines, self-checkout micromarkets and gourmet coffee equipment, announced that they will be relocating their headquarters, training center, assembly manufacturing and global distribution and technology development facility to the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center. Naturals2Go plans to create 125 new jobs and contribute over $20 million in capital investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturals2Go is the go-to company that entrepreneurs seek out when they want to start businesses in the unattended retail space, with a focus on healthy product choices and world-class cashless payment systems technology. They are backed by 35 years of experience and the winner of the Franchise Brokers Association\u2019s (FBA) Business Opportunity of the Year award for the last 11 consecutive years, despite not actually being a Franchise Model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural2Go\u2019s President Heath Falzarano stated, \u201cOur mission is to cultivate a global community of inspired and empowered entrepreneurs. We actually consider ourselves in the \u2018people\u2019 business as we truly help others create and grow family businesses of all sizes through vending.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center was created to attract companies like Naturals2Go to Savannah,\u201d said SEDA COO Jesse Dillon. \u201cNot only are they bringing their assembly manufacturing, but they are also bringing their headquarters and training center, which create different job opportunities. We look forward to working with them and helping them grow in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Plastic Express announced they they were doubling operations in Savannah<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced on Nov. 30 that Plastic Express would build a second shipping facility in Chatham County. The new location will create an estimated 200 new jobs and $80 million in investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJob creators like Plastic Express choose to expand their footprints in Georgia because they know we\u2019re a great bet,\u201d said Governor Brian Kemp. \u201cMore than 70 percent of last year\u2019s economic development projects were expansions of businesses already operating in our state. That\u2019s a testament to our incredible partnership approach and reliable infrastructure, like the Savannah port.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, Plastic Express was founded in 1970 and offers bulk trucking, bulk terminal, packaging and warehousing services for the plastics industry across the country. In addition to plastic resins, the firm\u2019s PX Services unit handles non-plastic materials including steel, paper, lumber and other industrial, consumer and forest products. The company operates two existing facilities in Georgia that support more than 200 jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSavannah has presented a solid opportunity for investment in export logistic centers to complement the aggressive capability expansions at the port,\u201d said Plastic Express President and CEO Ray Hufnagel. \u201cPlastic Express has experienced success with our newest facility operating in Pooler, Georgia, and anticipates the same success with this second investment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs resin and industrial product producers continue to diversify and strengthen their export channels, Plastic Express recognizes the need to customize and provide resilient transportation options for our customers,\u201d said Plastic Express Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Pittman Fussell. \u201cThis location, strategically located adjacent to the CSX operating yard and within five miles of the port, is the best-positioned logistic center in the region. We are aggressively pursuing these opportunities to support our customers\u2019 needs in Savannah and are ready to do so here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic Express will construct the second of two facilities planned in Savannah at the Rockingham Farms Industrial Park. The 980,000-square-foot facility, strategically located within five miles of the Port of Savannah and served by CSX, is equipped with 104 dock doors and 7,200 container spots, with packing lines capable of packaging 4 million pounds of resin per day. Operations are expected to begin mid-2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday is a great day to celebrate the announcement that Plastic Express will expand with a new facility as the first employer to locate at Rockingham Farms and will provide 200 new jobs to the region,\u201d said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison. \u201cThey have been and will continue to be a great partner.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Innovation gains ground in Chatham County<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Einride battery-electric vehicle trucks to be used between the Port of Savannah and a Wallenius Wilhelmsen processing facility in Pooler, Ga. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Savannah Logistics Innovation Center (SLIC) graduated their second cohort of startup companies in 2023 for a total of 25 alumni. Companies that have gone through the accelerator program have raised a total of $80 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Einride, a Swedish freight mobility company and a part of the first group of SLIC cohorts, signed a partnership with Keen Transport to develop and provide battery-electric vehicle trucks that will be used for a shuttle between the Port of Savannah and a Wallenius Wilhelmsen processing facility in Pooler. Einride is also supporting the deployment of the trucks including driver training, charging infrastructure and data insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are extremely proud to call Einride a member of the first cohort of the Savannah Logistics Innovation Center\u2019s logistics accelerator program,\u201d said SLIC Executive Director Bart Gobeil. \u201cHowever, we are more proud to see their all-electric trucks on Georgia\u2019s roads. The logistics industry continues to evolve and this partnership between Einride, Wallenius Wilhelmsen and the Georgia Ports Authority demonstrates how to be at the tip of the spear of this positive evolution.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3449","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3449"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3449\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4490,"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3449\/revisions\/4490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sedaannualreport.com\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}