Georgia is emerging as national center of excellence for automotive manufacturing and logistics
Three Roll-on/Roll-off ship berths at the Port of Brunswick handled 50 vessels in October. A fourth berth is under construction and 60% complete, with a planned opening in December 2027. The fourth berth will deliver faster turn times for ships and supply chains, while creating more capacity for ships to berth, including the newer generation of larger vessels carrying 10,800+ car equivalent units (CEU). (Georgia Ports)
Port of Brunswick leads U.S. automotive exports and imports as more automotive manufacturers establish operations in the Peach State
Georgia Ports Authority hosted their annual State of the Port of Brunswick with CEO Griff Lynch and President Kevin Price presenting updates on market conditions and future plans.
On the heels of the recent announcement by German-based Audi to build a factory in Georgia, Lynch and Price noted the success of the State of Georgia in attracting global auto brands to manufacture and move supply chains here.
Korean-based Hyundai Motor Group’s Metaplant in Ellabell, Ga is just 30 miles west of the Port of Savannah on a 3,000-acre site, that will create 8,500 jobs by 2031. The company has also attracted 22 suppliers located nearby.
Kia, also based in Korea, has operated their flagship U.S auto manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia on 2,200 acres since 2009. California-based, electric vehicle manufacturer, Rivian has broken ground for a manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, representing a $5 billion investment that is expected to create 7,500 long-term jobs by 2030. The company also established an East Coast headquarters in Atlanta. Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, has made a long-term commitment to the American market, announcing a new location near Macon, Georgia. The company intends to invest $4 billion in its first U.S. plant in Georgia, which will be among the brand’s largest production footprints globally, creating approximately 4,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with production planned to start in the early 2030s. Other major global brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo amongst others use the Port of Brunswick for finished vehicle shipments and processing.
“Georgia Ports are creating opportunities for businesses to grow, enhancing long-term supply chain competitiveness on a state, regional, national and global level, generating new job growth in the port region and throughout the state,” said Griff Lynch, CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority.
One of the biggest advantages for auto manufacturers and logistics providers is the combination of seaport access, dedicated rail infrastructure, direct access to interstate highways and proximity to Southeastern markets. Vehicle imports and exports, finished vehicle distribution, parts warehousing, manufacturing and vehicle processing are all provided within the Brunswick supply chain.
The Port of Savannah is also a major gateway port for containerized auto parts and components with 40 vessel calls a week, 15,000 truck gate transactions daily and 42 doublestack trains per week from Savannah’s ondock rail facility, Mason Mega Rail to inland markets via Norfolk Southern and CSX. The Atlanta metropolitan area is a major consumer market as well as a distribution and transportation hub with excellent interstate and rail connectivity.
“The automotive manufacturing ecosystem continues to grow here. We’re also seeing strong growth in the heavy machinery market such as construction equipment and farm equipment,” added Kevin Price, President of Georgia Ports Authority.
Mr. Lynch and Mr. Price thanked the Georgia Ports employees, the GPA Board of Directors, the ILA, customers and the local community for their support of the Port of Brunswick.
“Georgia has been named the best state to do business for 13 consecutive years by business publications. The Ports of Brunswick and Savannah play a crucial role as a center of excellence in port and inland infrastructure operations. GPA is investing $5 billion over the next ten years in infrastructure improvements. On behalf of the board, we are pleased to support investment projects that will enable the ports to continue to grow and meet future demand, benefitting all the people of Georgia,” stated Georgia Ports Authority Chairman Alec Poitevint.
Supporting Communities
Mr. Price highlighted GPA’s community outreach efforts that respond to and support the City of Brunswick as part of the company’s community partnership.
GPA strengthened its partnerships with near-port communities, including Historic Brunswick and Midtown, through community outreach, volunteerism, and youth engagement.
GPA employees supported families impacted by the Brantley County wildfires by organizing donated supplies in partnership with the City of Brunswick. GPA also partnered with the Brunswick Police Department to provide a Youth COP Academy summer program with terminal tours and joined City of Brunswick Commissioner Kendra Rolle to host an Industry Day, introducing local students to port operations, economic impact and career opportunities in the maritime, transportation and logistics industries.
GPA’s YES+ program, launched in 2018, provides recent high school graduates in the Brunswick area with mentoring, apprenticeships and on-the-job experience, preparing participants for successful port careers.
