On October 5th, the Greater Vidalia® Chamber hosted the last State of the Community Series for 2023 – State of Industry. Our keynote speaker, Hugh “Trip” Tollison, President and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), spoke to a crowd of 80 interested community members on all things Hyundai, the EV Metaplant currently under construction in Bryan County.
Tollison held the crowd’s interest with a fascinating presentation about the history of the project and what it means for our region.
FAQ: (Source: Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority)
- On may 25, 2021, Governor Brian Kemp announced the purchase of the Bryan County Mega Site in a partnership between the State of Georgia and the Savannah Joint Development Authority. The strategic purchase of the site was the largest mega site purchase in state history and the largest economic development deal in state’s history.
- The Mega Site boundary encompasses approximately 2,900 total acres.
- Nearly 1,700 acres cleared to-date. Construction began late January 2023 with full production expected in early 2025. Expected capacity once operational will be more than 300,000 units/year with ability to get to 500,000 units/year based on market demand.
- On August 31, 2023, HMG and LG Energy Solution announced additional $2 billion in capital investment and another 400 new jobs.
- EV manufacturing facility and battery JV now represents $7.59 billion in capital investment and 8,500 new jobs.
It is no secret that with a development this size comes numerous suppliers and industries within our area including DAS Corporation in Candler County, and Hanon Systems and Joon Georgia in Bulloch County, to name a few. This fast-paced development means rising infrastructure, housing, and workforce needs as well as many other challenges to not only our surrounding counties but to us here in Toombs as we feel the effects of unprecedented growth.
We thank our Presenting Sponsor, Georgia Power, and our Gold Sponsor, Toombs County Development Authority, for supporting our programming. Please watch for our 2024 State of the Community Series which highlight the state of the cities, county, agriculture, and education.
