Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Dollar Tree will expand its existing Savannah distribution operation, representing an $18 million investment and the creation of 68 jobs. Based in Chesapeake, Va., Dollar Tree is a Fortune 500 company and is the nation’s leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less.
“Georgia’s highly networked logistics infrastructure is the centerpiece of our state’s vast range of competitive resources that make it possible for companies such as Dollar Tree to locate and expand here,” said Deal. “Georgia has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Dollar Tree since its initial location in Georgia in 2000, and I am excited to see the company expand and have continued success in our state.”
Dollar Tree has an existing 600,000-square-foot distribution center in Savannah. This expansion will add up to 400,000 square feet to accommodate the company’s rapid growth.
“Dollar Tree has grown steadily for nearly 25 years,” said Bob Sasser, president and CEO of Dollar Tree, Inc. “The expansion of our Savannah Distribution Center will support the continued growth of our business in the Southeastern United States and will provide additional long-term employment opportunities at the Savannah Facility. We are proud to be a part of this community.”
Dollar Tree’s existing distribution center is a significant user of the Georgia Ports Authority’s Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah. The company brings approximately 8,000 containers through the terminal annually. This expansion is expected to increase the company’s annual volume to almost 15,000 containers by 2014 through the Port of Savannah, the fourth-largest and fastest-growing port in the nation.
“Dollar Tree's decision to expand its operations near the Port of Savannah is a great testament to service and efficiencies that the Georgia Ports Authority provides,” said GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz. “This is a confirmation that Dollar Tree’s decision to locate its distribution center here was not only the right decision then, but continues to be the right choice for today and tomorrow.”
The Savannah region plays an integral role in attracting new locations and the expansion of existing companies in Georgia. This region serves as a focal point of Georgia’s highly networked system of logistics, with the Port of Savannah providing companies with global access to their customers in markets around the world.
“We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Dollar Tree for the past 10 years, first through their initial location and then through our established business program,” stated Thomas H. Hester, chairman of the SEDA Board of Directors. “Dollar Tree, like so many others, has discovered first-hand that Savannah is not only a place where a business can make it, but a place where one can truly thrive and grow, even in these difficult economic times.”
Tom Croteau assisted the company with this expansion on behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development in collaboration with the Savannah Economic Development Authority.
About Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree, a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.