OmniTRAX Groundbreaking of 1MM SF Project Opens Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub

A&R Logistics’ global export headquarters leads development of 2,700-acre master-planned industrial park

SAVANNAH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A delegation of Georgia state, county and municipal representatives joined officials from OmniTRAX, The Broe Group and A&R Logistics, Inc. to mark the historic opening of Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub (SGIH) – Georgia’s first dual-served industrial park of the modern era – and commencement of construction on lead-tenant A&R Logistics’ global export operation. OmniTRAX is the master developer of the 2,700-acre industrial park owned by Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA).


“This is an exciting day for the region and for us all. A&R’s state-of-the-art export operation is the ideal anchor-tenant to demonstrate Savannah Gateway’s world-class operational efficiency and premier eastern seaboard location,” said OmniTRAX CEO Kevin Shuba. “Today’s groundbreaking is a result of strong collaboration between A&R, the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, the state of Georgia and OmniTRAX. We are thankful for the tireless commitment invested by so many to make this achievement possible and are excited to bring other tenants and owners to SGIH.”

A&R’s 12-year lease secures approximately 610,000 SF of the park’s build-to-suit project with an option to expand to one million square feet. In addition to the A&R facility, OmniTRAX will construct more than seven miles of park-serving rail infrastructure, a multi-customer centrally located OmniTRAX rail yard and a 200+ car dedicated rail yard for A&R. This rail infrastructure will connect SGIH tenants to the only Class 1 railroads serving the southeastern United States – CSX and Norfolk Southern. Completion of the project construction and building development is forecasted for the fourth quarter of 2020.

A&R Logistics’ SGIH facility will house best-in-class equipment to support its supply chain operations that serve leading plastics producers worldwide. A&R’s global export operations will include receipt of inbound materials, packaging and outbound shipment to international destinations.

“The southeast Georgia market is very attractive for our export business because of the infrastructure, access to great team members and an overall low cost of operation. With our Savannah export facility, A&R will continue to be a leader in reliability and customer service to some of the biggest chemical companies in the world. We are looking forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with both the community and the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub,” said A&R Logistics President and CEO Mark Holden.

Regional leaders, on hand for the groundbreaking, echo Holden’s enthusiasm for the project and the region.

“The opening of the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub marks a new chapter for economic development in our state, and we are thrilled that a great company like A&R Logistics will be its first tenant,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s expansive logistics network puts global and domestic markets within arm’s reach for manufacturers, processors and logistics companies operating in our state. As we continue to build on our success, I am confident that these two entities will help us attract business to this region and maintain our status as the No. 1 State for Business in the years to come.”

With the nation’s largest single container terminal located 12 miles away in Savannah, SGIH’s development is also the gateway to economic and industry growth. The Port of Savannah consistently attracts the largest ships with the largest number of sailings and first stop advantages.

“Working with the teams at OmniTRAX, A&R, the state of Georgia and ECIDA has been a rewarding experience for all involved and will be a huge benefit in terms of jobs and economic growth for the communities of southeast Georgia. We’re already planning for several more companies to join A&R at SGIH and to utilize the performance-boosting capabilities of the Port of Savannah,” said Griff Lynch, Executive Director of Georgia Ports Authority.

“As we break ground today, SGIH continues to attract strong tenant interest and we are engaged in active conversations with multiple prospects,” said Broe Real Estate Group Executive Vice President Reagan Shanley. “Savannah’s supply chain advantages are resonating with prospects and the park’s long-term potential is clear.”

About OmniTRAX, Inc.

As North America’s fastest growing railroad and transportation management companies, OmniTRAX's core capabilities range from providing transportation and supply chain management services to railroad and port companies, to providing intermodal and industrial switching operations to railroads, ports and a diverse group of industrial companies. Through its affiliation with The Broe Group and its portfolio of managed companies, OmniTRAX also has the unique capability of offering specialized industrial development and real estate solutions, both on and off the rail network managed by OmniTRAX. More information is available at omnitrax.com.

About Broe Real Estate Group

Broe Real Estate Group acquires, develops and manages commercial real estate assets. Affiliated companies own and manage office and industrial properties, medical office buildings and multi-family communities across the country, including premier assets in many of the most desirable markets. Broe Real Estate Group has a 40-year history of value-add real estate investing in Northern Colorado and across the United States. We improve value though the implementation of focused business plans that increase cash flow and create stable income streams. Additional information is available at broerealestate.com.

About The Broe Group

Based in Denver, The Broe Group and its affiliates form a privately-owned, multi-billion-dollar real estate, transportation, energy and investment organization with assets owned and managed across North America. Together, Broe managed companies employ more than 1,000 people and support employment of thousands of others through operations such as its Great Western Industrial Park in Northern Colorado. Its transportation affiliate, OmniTRAX, Inc., is one of North America’s fastest growing railroad and transportation management companies specializing in: management services, railroad and port services, intermodal solutions and industrial switching operations. Its energy affiliates include Great Western Petroleum, LLC, the largest private operator in the third most prolific U.S. basin. Broe Real Estate Group acquires, develops and manages office and industrial properties, medical office buildings and multi-family communities across the country, including premier assets in many of the most desirable markets. The Broe Group also has multiple investment affiliates, including Three Leaf Ventures, which is focused on innovative healthcare technology start-ups. For more information, visit broe.com.


Contacts

Ronald Margulis
RAM Communications
+1 908.272.3930
[email protected]