Savannah Chamber

29 Economic Foundations The remainder of the forecast considers expected activity in the six major underlying economic foundations of the Savannah MSA economy. Recall that these drivers are (in no particular order) manufacturing, the port and logistics, tourism, health care, the military, and real estate development. Manufacturing Manufacturers in the Savannah MSA gained approximately 800 workers (4.2%) during 2022. The manufacturing workforce was 18,700 at the end of 2022 and is expected to add about 800 workers in 2023. A review of recent announcements from headlining companies in the sector point toward a strong year in 2023. Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) announced the development of a $6.9 billion electric vehicle assembly and battery plant in Bryan County. The 3,000 acre site will host 16 million square feet of production facilities producing 300,000 vehicles per year and creating jobs for 8,100 workers earning annual wages of $58,105. Employers in the supply chain for the Metaplant are expected to hire an additional 5,000 to 7,000 workers and invest an additional $1 billion in facilities. Two supply chain firms have already announced plans to create supporting manufacturing facilities in Bulloch and Bryan County employing nearly 2,000 workers. An additional $650 million is planned for investment in road and highway improvements, water and sewer infrastructure, and other utilities. A $63 million Quick Start Training Center will be constructed to train workers for the facility. The Metaplant is the first fully-dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the state and the largest economic development project in Georgia history. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is the largest private employer in Savannah with a global workforce of 15,000+ workers in production, service, maintenance, engineering, and research and development. Gulfstream has continued customer support and operations expansions of over 900,000 square feet across facilities in the UK, Arizona, Georgia, West Africa, Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois to meet the company's increasing demand. The customer support center at the Dallas-Fort Worth Alliance Airport was officially opened, which operates on 100% renewable energy and adds approximately 200 jobs to the aviation hub. The company also announced plans for a component repair and overhaul facility to complement the new service center in Dallas and is expected to open in the first half of 2023. Flight testing of Gulfstream's longest-ranging G800 aircraft began in 2022, making its first international flight from Savannah to Farnborough, England and was showcased at the 2022 NBAA Aviation Convention and Exhibition along with two G700 test aircraft. Additionally, the G700 embarked on its world tour, flying to events across twenty cities and six continents. Demand for the aircraft spans across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, India, and Africa. Sales for the G650 and G650ER fleet have exceeded expectations, and demand for the G280 and G400 aircraft have resulted in manufacturing expansions to existing facilities. In addition, Gulfstream conducted the industry's first 100% sustainable aviation fuel flight in a G650 aircraft equipped with a Rolls-Royce BR725 engine. The fuel has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 80%. JCB experienced a large increase in demand in 2022, spurring a nearly 20% increase in employment to 982 workers. JCB's world-class construction equipment is highly regarded and two of its machines were recognized as "Top 100 Products of 2022" by Construction Equipment. JCB launched several new machines this year. The Fastrac 4000 and 8000 series tractors have upgraded electronics and the HTD- 5E E-Dumpster adds to the fleet of fully electric E-Tech models. JCB has a five-year apprentice program in which students learn different company roles while completing a two-year degree. To help meet its workforce needs, JCB is partnered with Savannah Tech, Georgia Southern University, and Ogeechee Tech. The Pooler facility hosts manufacturing operations and the offices of the company's North American headquarters. The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) continues to work with its partners at the state and local level to attract new job opportunities and investment to Chatham County. 2022 was another

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