Seda Annual Report 2024
Seda Annual Report 2024
The Savannah region has emerged as one of the hottest regions in the country to do business, driven by a dynamic blend of opportunity, infrastructure and talent.
In 2024, we attracted companies looking to locate here and continue working with established companies as they grew. With a dynamic mix of strategic location, skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment, we actively propelled industries forward in 2024. Our commitment to excellence and progress remains unwavering –creating opportunities, driving success and shaping a thriving future.
Three years ago, the Savannah region celebrated as we won the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) project, Georgia’s largest-ever economic development project and a promise by HMGMA to bring 8,500 jobs and $7.59 billion in capital investment.
Great strides were made in 2024, including the hiring of more than 1,000 HMMGA employees, with 73 percent of them coming from within a 60-mile radius of HMGMA.
On Feb. 26, HMGMA, local and state representatives, including Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, gathered at the state capitol to celebrate Hyundai Day. They were joined by Hyundai Motor Group President and CEO José Muñoz.
Governor Kemp said during remarks, “For decades, Hyundai Motor Group has been an incredible partner to our state, and we knew exactly what kind of historic benefits a project like this would bring to hardworking Georgians when we first began talks with HMG. Hyundai is with us at the table, helping us recruit businesses, giving back to our communities, and working with our world-class colleges and universities to connect more Georgians with great opportunities. We share a focus on the future, and we’re excited for what our long-term partnership will bring for the coastal region and all of Georgia.”
Muñoz said, “Georgia is like a second home to us. On behalf of all of us at Hyundai Motor Group, we are very proud that Hyundai’s investments in Georgia will create tens of thousands of great paying American jobs and bring tens of billions of dollars in economic impact for decades to come. Thank you to our partners and to the great people of Georgia for your support and for making us feel so much at home.”
One of the key achievements celebrated was the early and under-budget completion of the Bryan County Megasite. The site, which serves as the foundation for HMGMA’s extensive operations, was delivered ahead of schedule, reflecting our commitment to helping HMGMA meet its aggressive timelines.
In June, HMGMA announced that production would begin with the IONIQ 5. When announced, HMGMA President and CEO Oscar Kwon said, “This is an exciting time for HMGMA. We are in the final phase of construction and getting ready for the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 to roll off the line. It’s the ideal vehicle for us to start production with.”
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America began production of the IONIQ 5 in October 2024, which was quickly followed in November with the announcement that the 2026 IONIQ 9 would be the second car to be produced at the manufacturing facility.
With 774 acres, the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center has become an ideal location for manufacturers that are looking for a prime location and within reach of HMGMA, Georgia Quick Start and the Port of Savannah.
In 2023, three HMGMA suppliers – Seoyon E-HWA, PHA and Daechang Seat Corp. – announced they would be locating in the park. These announcements kicked off an ambitious construction schedule to bring all three suppliers from site to certificate of occupancy, thereby meeting the HMGMA production timelines. In 2024, each supplier began production, providing critical components for the IONIQ5 and IONIQ9. The three suppliers, along with Naturals2Go now represent 1,767 job opportunities and $235.5 million in investment at SCMC.
Feb. 1, 2023
March 6, 2023
Oct. 23, 2023
On June 27, 2024, the CAE Savannah Training Center cut the ribbon on its expanded training network, brining cutting-edge business aviation pilot and maintenance training to Savannah.
Its fifth location in the United States, the maintenance training program includes state-of-the-art virtual reality and has the capacity for four full-flight simulators. “The inauguration of the CAE Savannah training center is a significant milestone in terms of the advanced training and customer experience we offer to Gulfstream operators, making it more convenient than ever for their pilots and maintenance technicians to train with CAE,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and CEO at the ribbon cutting. “CAE Savannah is a showcase for innovation. Virtual reality, for example, will be used in both the theoretical and practical elements of our maintenance training program. CAE Rise™ will also be used on all simulators, empowering instructors with technology that delivers insights and data to enrich simulator training for pilots.”
Some projects just mean more. In July 2024, MANA Nutrition held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the addition of a 315,000 square-foot warehouse in Pooler to transform it into a state-of-the-art SQLNS product center.
SQLNS, a 20-gram fortified paste packet is designed to prevent malnutrition, represents a crucial innovation in delivering life-saving nutrition to vulnerable populations. The non-profit company designs revolutionary meal replacement products to meet hunger needs and is distributed by USAID, UNICEF, World Food Programme and more. The expansion increases MANA Nutrition’s production capacity, enhancing its ability to reach more children in need while reinforcing its commitment to scaling sustainable solutions for global malnutrition.
More than 1,000 containers of MANA Nutrition products were shipped through the Port of Savannah in 2023.
In August, Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in nutritional health and wellness, announced they had enhanced its U.S. operations to include a state-of-the-art liquid manufacturing factory and distribution center in Savannah.
The facilities will play a pivotal role in manufacturing and distributing a range of notable products and brands, including BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, and Orgain®.
“Nestlé Health Science is proud to establish a strong presence in Savannah with our expanded manufacturing network. By investing in this vibrant community, we are not only enhancing our capabilities but also contributing to the local economy,” said Jean-Denis Fournier, Vice President, Head of Technical at Nestlé Health Science. “We look forward to being an integral part of Savannah’s growth while providing accessible and innovative products that support health and well-being.”
The Savannah factory spans a 7.5-acre site, featuring a built-up area of 165,000 square feet. In addition, Nestlé Health Science has secured a warehouse facility covering 2.5 acres, providing 85,000 square feet of space.
“Nestlé Health Science’s decision to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center in Savannah marks a significant milestone for our city,” said Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “This investment not only brings new job opportunities and economic growth but also reinforces Savannah’s reputation as a hub for innovation and industry. We are excited to welcome Nestlé Health Science to our community and look forward to a fruitful partnership that will benefit our residents and the broader region.”
With a dedicated team of nearly 300 employees, the Savannah facilities are well-equipped to meet the demands of Nestlé Health Science’s vast portfolio. This workforce comprises individuals in various operational and logistics roles, as well as those in factory support and management functions.
“We are excited that Nestlé Health Science has committed to making an investment in Savannah,” said Trip Tollison, President and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. “Along with the investment, they are creating great job opportunities for those in our community. We look forward to working with them as they continue to grow right here in Savannah.”
To honor its new presence in Savannah the Nestlé Health Science Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to local nonprofit Union Mission, which works to help individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
“Union Mission is proud to partner with Nestlé Health Science as we work to end homelessness for men, women, and children in our region,” said Union Mission President and CEO Michael Traynor. “Our Emergency Housing Programs provide extensive wraparound services, including mental health counseling, and are focused on providing a hand up to our clients. Nestlé Health Science’s contribution will help us continue these efforts.”