Aug 17, 2010 10:17 AM

Great Dane Limited Partnership has announced plans to build a new refrigerated trailer plant on a 118-acre site in Statesboro GA, northwest of Savannah. This meets the company and the state of Georgia’s joint goal of keeping this facility close to Great Dane’s heritage. The trailer manufacturer was founded more than 100 years ago in Savannah.

In its first phase, the plant will encompass 450,000 square feet, including office and show room space, and will have the capacity to produce 5,000-plus trailers annually. At that level of production, the facility will employ more than 400 people.

“After more than a year-long search for the ideal location, we are extremely pleased to announce that Statesboro GA has been chosen as the future home of our new refrigerated trailer plant. While many different sites throughout the Southeast region were considered, we believe the Statesboro location best meets our strategic and corporate needs,” said Phill Pines, president and chief operating officer for Great Dane.

The new reefer plant will serve the traditional Great Dane customer base. Its manufacturing processes will feature the latest technology in its foaming methods and automation of key production operations.

“In addition to the economic and location considerations that were a part of our decision making process, we were impressed with the state of Georgia and Bulloch County’s ability and willingness to effectively address our needs. They have been professional and have made us feel welcome and wanted,” said Pines.

The plant will be less than an hour’s drive from Great Dane’s division offices in Savannah, which will remain home to its sales, marketing, engineering, and research and development center.

Construction is expected to get underway later in 2010 to bring the plant into production in 2012.

Access Great Dane online at www.greatdanetrailers.com.