Lineage Logistics in Novi, one of the largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers in the world, is expanding its facility network near the major port in Savannah, Ga. to handle fresh produce and perishable imports.
The company says it will invest $62 million in a new building, which, upon completion, will create 65 new jobs in Chatham County’s Port Wentworth, in addition to nearly 100 jobs required for the project’s construction.
Operating as a cross-dock, in which product enters one side of the building and exits the other side via truck on the same day, the facility also will provide fumigation, packaging, and other value-added services for customers to move fresh product efficiently to markets across the Southeast. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.
“It’s a pleasure to see Lineage Logistics continue to invest in Georgia,” says Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp. “Hardworking Georgians and our top-notch training programs like Georgia Quick Start continue to give companies the confidence they need to expand by showing them that Georgia’s workforce is not only skilled, but up to the task.”
In addition, Lineage announced the Phase I opening of its temperature-controlled warehouse on Tremont Road adjacent to the Port of Savannah. Serving both imported and exported products like poultry, the facility features a 19,000-square-foot blast freezer, a boxing room, and customs brokerage capabilities to provide streamlined processing in and out of the port. Once fully operational, the facility will employ up to 100 Georgia residents.
“Savannah is the fastest growing port and largest single container terminal in North America,” says Greg Lehmkuhl, president and CEO of Lineage. “Lineage’s new facilities in this high-demand location will provide additional capacity and value-added services in a critical market for our customers.
“We are constantly looking for ways to maximize and further streamline Lineage’s total supply chain, and our meaningful growth in Savannah will offer customers increased access to faster, more reliable distribution opportunities to markets across the Southeast.”
Combined, the newly announced facilities expand Lineage’s presence in the market by more than 500,000 square feet of capacity. In total, the company’s network will span four facilities in Savannah with 12 facilities across the state of Georgia.
“We are thrilled to see Lineage’s significant investment in further strengthening our port infrastructure,” says Cliff Pyron, chief commercial officer of the Georgia Port Authority. “Additional capacity to support our growth will be a benefit to port community as a whole.”
