Georgia’s ports are getting a $5 billion facelift over the next decade, with five new container berths planned for Savannah and a new Roll-on/Roll-off berth going up in Brunswick, as the state’s auto-manufacturing sector keeps expanding. The investment comes as Hyundai, Kia, Rivian and Audi have all staked out ground in Georgia, pushing demand for port, rail and logistics capacity to new heights.
According to News4JAX, Georgia Ports Authority leaders laid out the plan at the authority’s annual State of the Port of Brunswick event, where officials said the state’s growing roster of automakers is fueling demand for port, rail and logistics infrastructure. Georgia Ports Authority President Kevin Price told attendees, “The automotive manufacturing ecosystem continues to grow here. We’re also seeing strong growth in the heavy machinery market.”
Griff Lynch, the authority’s CEO, framed the investment in terms of what it means for the broader economy, saying the ports are “enhancing long-term supply chain competitiveness on a state, regional, national and global level, generating new job growth.” Board member Alec Poitevint added that the ports are important to Georgia’s economy and its ability to meet future demand.
A Growing Lineup of Automakers Anchors the Investment
Hyundai’s 3,000-acre Metaplant near Ellabell, about 30 miles west of the Port of Savannah, is expected to create 8,500 jobs by 2031 and has already attracted 22 nearby suppliers, the station’s report notes. Kia has operated its own U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point since 2009, giving Georgia a longer-running foothold in vehicle assembly even before the newer arrivals broke ground…