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33 logistics and distribution workforce to nearly 2,000—an impressive 55% increase over the previous year. In 2024, 1.56 million square feet of new distribution space was delivered, supporting the sector's continued expansion and growth. Bryan County registered substantial growth in the logistics sector in 2024. The number of establishments increased to 48 from 35 in 2023 and employment in the sector doubled to 1,185 workers from 592 in 2023. About 3 million square feet of industrial and logistics product were delivered in 2024 along the I-95 South corridor that includes Bryan and Liberty Counties. In Liberty County, 53 establishments in the logistics sector employ about 1,730 workers. In January 2024, Westin Group broke ground for its new Westin Furniture distribution center in Tradeport East Business Center. The 250,000-square-foot facility was completed in November, and the company had already employed 16 people in early December. The company expanded from California to be nearer its major customer base. Plans allow for future expansion with some assembly potentially added to distribution and ecommerce operations and employment could reach 190 workers. Palatize, an Amazon reseller, ramped up operations in its recently completed 25,000 SF building. Employment grew to approximately 20. Creative Home Ideas, a YMF Inc. company, is completing a 350,000 SF facility by early 2025 that will serve as a distribution center for household goods. Initially it will add assembly and have up to 75 employees with as many as 100 within three years. Further, in Liberty County's Midway Industrial Park, Hugo Boss expanded operations in early 2024. Hugo Boss, the German clothes manufacturer, has deep roots in the county having had a distribution center in operation for over 20 years. Plans include development of its e-commerce activity as well as expanded distribution operations. Hugo Boss moved into an existing 360,000 SF building formerly occupied by Design Group and into some of a 1.4 million SF building and has increased employment from about 180 to just under 400. The 1.4 million SF building is in Tradeport East and owned by Safavieh Development. It also attracted two other businesses besides Hugo Boss, and the two companies that took up occupancy earlier, Hooker Furniture and Safavieh Rugs. The new businesses are Supply One and Liberty Furniture. Together, those new businesses employ about 20 people. Another company that moved into the county during the year was Town & Country Living. It ramped up a home goods distribution center in a 640,000 SF building in Tradeport East that was completed by BlueScope Development the year before. An estimated 40 people are working in the center as of December 2024. Bulloch County gained 15 establishments in the logistics sector in 2024, increasing the number of firms in the sector to 83. Employment in logistics increased 5.5%, rising to 1,541 from 1,460 in 2023. The Walmart distribution center continues to operate at full capacity and employs 800 workers. Long-term prospects for logistics and distribution in the region remain strong, given the region's excellent transportation and distribution infrastructure. The Savannah metro area is maturing into an important node in the nation's distribution network. Acknowledgements With the greatest of appreciation, contributions to this report were provided by the economic development authorities of Savannah, Bryan County, Bulloch County, Effingham County, Liberty County, Port Wentworth, and Wayne County. Numerous individuals and industry insiders with the region's private and public sector employers contributed data, information, updates, and commentary which enhanced the completeness of the forecast. Thank you!