Largest Industrial Park in Toombs County History Promises Growth
The Toombs County Development Authority will soon be developing more industrial space in the county, as the acquisition of 604.83 acres was announced on Thursday, September 14.
According to Authority Chairman Tim Truxel, this site, which is located off of U.S. Highway 1 North in Lyons, is the largest industrial location that the Authority has ever had. “Acquisition of this site, the largest in the Authority’s history, reflects our strategy to invest in local community economic development efforts for the purpose of promoting Toombs County as a premier location for industrial development and expansion in an effort to create jobs, diversify the tax base, and improve the quality of life for citizens.”
Truxel added, “Toombs County continued from page
may be particularly attractive for industrial development due to its growing economy, access to transportation networks, increasing port activity, skilled workforce, and collaborative culture.”
He said that the Authority has been working to find more industrial space for the last two years, as only a single parcel currently is available for industrial space. “When we started looking, we knew we would be out of land very soon. When we’re out of land, we’re out of room for industry growth. So, that really drove us to start looking.”
Authority Executive Director Michele Johnson noted, “Most industries are currently looking for spaces with at least 50 acres for their industrial sites,” She also stated that this acquisition of land comes in preparation for anticipated further development. Many industries that have gained interest in the area because of the developing Hyundai Plant in Bryan County and the growth of the Savannah Port now have options in Toombs County.
The Authority, alongside government and utility partners, will immediately begin to work on the development of the site, as they create transportation and utility infrastructure to meet anticipated future industrial demand. The park will include multiple property types, including spaces built-to-suit and speculative development. “Industrial parks don’t fill up overnight,” Authority Prospect & Park Committee Chairman Trent Williams remarked. “These are big projects. They require a lot of time, nurturing, and relationship building. The acquisition process actually took several years, but that whole process can really begin now that we have the land.”
Johnson emphasized, “We are making the most of a great opportunity. With this acquisition, Toombs County will continue to provide companies with strategic location options. We look forward to working with economic development partners in growing jobs and prosperity in our community.”
