Manufacturers

Covered employment in manufacturing in the Savannah MSA increased to 24,261 as of early 2025. Since the May 2022 Hyundai Metaplant announcement, the regional manufacturing base has increased 29%, a gain of 5,442 workers. As a result, an additional $900 million in worker compensation is flowing through the regional economy. Over 88% of the manufacturing growth has been at employers in the transportation equipment sector, in other words, at Gulfstream, at the Hyundai Metaplant, and at supply chain firms for the Metaplant.

A review of recent activity and announcements from headlining companies in the sector points toward another strong year for manufacturing in 2026.

The Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA), representing Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham and Effingham counties, continued its partnership with Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). In March 2025, HMGMA held its grand opening, celebrating the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history just two and a half years after breaking ground. In September 2025, Hyundai Motor Group announced the Phase 2 expansion, which will bring capacity to 500,000 vehicles and will include 3,000 jobs and $2.7 billion in investment. HMGMA is currently producing the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 and is expected to begin production of additional EVs and hybrids in 2026. Supplier activity surrounding the project continued to expand, with more than $2.5 billion in new capital investment and approximately 7,216 announced jobs across Georgia. The Savannah JDA remains a key partner in supporting site development, infrastructure coordination and the project’s ongoing impact across the four-county region.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is the largest private employer in Savannah with a global workforce of 20,000+ workers in production, service, maintenance, engineering, and research and development. Gulfstream announced the all-new, super-midsize Gulfstream G300 as the latest aircraft to join its next-generation fleet. The G300 made its first flight in December 2025, demonstrating significant program maturity and officially launching its rigorous flight test program. Gulfstream aircraft attained new milestones in 2025. The company announced its fleet of corporate, demonstration, and support aircraft have surpassed 3 million nautical miles flown on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.

Gulfstream continues development of its fleet of aircraft. The first customer delivery of the all-new Gulfstream G800, the world’s longest range business aircraft, was completed in 2025. The G800 entry into service follows its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications earlier this year. Gulfstream announced the 50th customer delivery of the G700. The aircraft was outfitted at the Savannah completions center. Since entering service in April 2024, the G700 operates globally, and the fleet has accumulated more than 11,700 flight hours. The G380 fleet also achieved a milestone as the fleet completed its 300th customer delivery. The in-service G280 fleet has accrued more than 575,000 flight hours and completed nearly 358,000 landings, demonstrating high global demand and the durability and dependability of the aircraft.

JCB’s North American headquarters, centered in Savannah, is a 500,000-square-foot facility to support a network of over 115 dealers in the U.S. and Canada. In August of 2025, JCB was awarded a $45 million contract to supply 4CX Backhoe Loaders to the United States armed forces after an extensive evaluation period. In November 2025, the company won the coveted “Tractor of the Year” award for its all-new high-power Fastrac 6300 in recognition of the tractor’s combination of industry-leading features, abilities and performance.

The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) had another strong year as the organization continued working with partners to attract new job opportunities and investment to Chatham County. SEDA facilitated eight new companies or expansions in 2025. SEDA also finalized and adopted its new strategic plan, establishing a clear framework for priorities over the next five to seven years. In addition, SEDA collaborated with partners throughout the year on industry expansion, workforce needs and opportunities arising from major regional investments including the continued growth surrounding Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.

World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) advanced its international engagement efforts through high-impact programs and global outreach. In partnership with Georgia Power, WTCSav hosted the Southeast Georgia Good News and International Protocol Training for representatives from more than 23 counties. The organization also convened the inaugural Global Business Summit, bringing together nearly 130 leaders from Quebec, Washington, D.C., Georgia state agencies and Southeast Georgia to strengthen regional and global economic collaboration.

International activities included supporting the Greater Savannah Ghana Alliance’s first tri-city mission, facilitating more than 40 business connections and meetings with government, educational and industry partners. WTCSav also led an outbound mission to Marseille, France for the World Trade Center’s Association’s 55th Global Business Forum.

WTCSav’s TradeBridge program expanded in 2025 with the addition of County Limerick, the first Irish west coast county to join the network. The organization completed 118 trade service projects, hosted 20 delegations from eight countries, delivered cross continental programs and continued its support of 16 Southeast Georgia counties and the City of Savannah as its founding investor.

In 2025, the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE) team continued to support workforce development efforts within its eight county region that includes Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty and Screven Counties. Work continued within the key focus areas of Education (K-12 and Higher Education), Military, Childcare, Underrepresented, Housing, Marketing and Transportation.

Some of the key RISE initiatives undertaken this year included a Military/Employer Forum, the Higher Education Alignment Summit, support for the Georgia Department of Transportation Commuter Feasibility Study, partnering with EOA on a underserved populations hiring event, starting the development of a housing toolkit for people searching for workforce housing, completion of a Regional Childcare Study in partnership with Georgia Southern University, the continuation of the Succeed in Savannah talent attraction campaign (including the launch of an online job board) and the Industry Insiders program that allows young professionals to share their career journeys with students. RISE also significantly grew the efforts to engage with the K-12 school systems by implementing several programs, including the 8th Grade Experience, Regional Educator Externship Program and Building Your Future: Career and College Showcase. Additionally, 21 employer forums with 608 attendees in total were held throughout the region this year. The RISE team also supported six hiring events (including the EOA event) across the region, reaching more than 3,400 job seekers. RISE led a best practices trip to West Georgia with 35 stakeholders, which included economic development, education, industry and non-profit partners from the Savannah region.

In Bryan County manufacturing employment at 40 establishments increased 18%, rising to 1,900 workers as of early 2025. As the year closed, employment at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) electric vehicle manufacturing facility increased to 1,444, a gain of 31% in one year. Also, by year-end, associated automotive manufacturers of componentry, systems, electronics, plastics and parts employed an additional 2,633 workers in Bryan County. Continued employment growth is anticipated in 2026 as production continues the ramping up process at the Metaplant and its allied firms.

Effingham County’s manufacturing sector also saw strong gains in 2025, with two new manufacturers commencing operation and total employment of 2,600 workers. These projects highlight the county’s strengthening industrial base and its competitive position within the Coastal Georgia market.

Among existing industries, Sewon America announced a $50 million expansion that includes new electroplating capabilities, roughly 100,000 square feet of additional space, and 100 new jobs. As the first expansion announced by a Hyundai Metaplant supplier in the Savannah region, Sewon’s investment marks an important milestone for the growing electric-vehicle supply chain. Georgia Transformer also committed to a major expansion at its Rincon facility, investing an additional $40 million and adding 400 new jobs to support increased demand for electrical equipment and grid-modernization components

Effingham County also welcomed two new industries in 2025. Underwood Ammo announced a $41 million manufacturing facility that will bring 120 high-skill jobs and introduce a new sector—defense-related manufacturing—to the county’s diversified economy. Manufacturing interest remains steady, supported by the county’s industrial readiness, regional workforce strengths, and proximity to the Port of Savannah.

Altogether, 2025 brought more than $130 million in new capital investment and hundreds of new jobs to Effingham County, reinforcing a diversified and resilient industrial base. The county enters 2026 with strong momentum and a competitive position within Coastal Georgia’s rapidly evolving economy.

Liberty County’s 29 manufacturers employed about 2,200 workers in 2025. One notable announcement was the expansion of Atlantic Building Components, a truss manufacturing company headquartered in South Carolina. The company is establishing operations in Hinesville with an initial workforce of 25 employees and is positioned to serve the growing regional housing market.

In Liberty County, infrastructure improvements are paving the way for continued industrial expansion. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded a $2 million grant to support construction of Tradeport West Way, a new road that will open 170 acres for development. The project includes 1.5 miles of roadway, drainage, and dirt work, with LCDA funding the remaining costs. In Hinesville Technology Park, an extension of Technology Drive is underway. This improvement will enhance access and unlock an additional 15 acres for future projects, ensuring the park remains competitive for future industry.

Bulloch County’s 58 manufacturing establishments employed 2,400 workers as of early 2025. Five industrial projects announced for Bulloch County since 2022, including three in support of the Hyundai Metaplant, continue to enhance the manufacturing base in 2026. As a result of this recent success infusing $1.1 billion investment in the county, there is limited availability of publicly supported development sites.