Great Dane Trailers broke ground on the site of its new refrigerated trailer manufacturing plant on Oct. 18.
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Statesboro Mayor Joe Brannen and Bulloch County Commission Chairman Garrett Nevil hailed the cooperation among the state, local economic developers and Great Dane as key reasons for the success of the selection process that resulted in choosing the 118-acre Statesboro site.
"Just as important in our selection of this site was the opportunity to continue Great Danes legacy by keeping it close to the companys deep roots in Savannah," said Bill Crown, President and CEO of CC Industries and CEO of Great Dane Limited Partnership. "Today we honor the heritage of excellence for which Great Dane's trailers have become known, while breaking ground on a bright and innovative future for ourselves and the city of Statesboro."
The plant, which will encompass 450,000 square feet, including office and show room space, will have the capacity to produce more than 5,000 trailers annually and will employ more than 400 people.
Construction is expected to get underway later this year to bring the plant into production in 2012.
"Great Dane is a great example of advanced manufacturing companies continuing to find Georgia an advantageous place to locate and flourish," said Gov. Perdue. "This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a great partnership between the company and the Georgia workers who can help it thrive here."
