Seda Annual Report 2025
Seda Annual Report 2025
Every dollar invested and every job retained that SEDA helps facilitate represents more than just economic activity – it reflects a tangible commitment to strengthening the community.
These investments fuel local businesses, support families and create opportunities that ripple outward, enhancing the quality of life across the Savanah region.
In 2025, SEDA facilitated eight company expansions/announcements that led to 3,105 new job opportunities and $2.8 billion in capital investment.
This includes Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America’s (HMGMA) announcement of Phase 2 expansion bringing capacity to 500,000 vehicles.
On March 26, HMGMA hosted its Grand Opening celebration, which the business development and marketing team supported. The event, marked the completion of Phase 1 of the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, just two and a half years after breaking ground.
Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group was in attendance and said, “Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia. With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said, “Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, made possible by our commitment to working with job creators to build fruitful partnerships for decades. Collaborations between HMGMA and Georgia’s universities and technical colleges, including Georgia Quick Start’s on-site training facility, are preparing Georgians for high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow, while our award-winning infrastructure, such as our ports connects companies to markets around the nation and globe.”
In February 2025, HydroFleet announced it was investing nearly $33 million in Pooler to construct a hydrogen production and fueling station that would service environmentally friendly heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
HydroFleet, a national specialized hydrogen equipment and hydrogen fuel supplier, founded in 2016, is led by a management team with more than 40 years combined experience in the hydrogen industry. To date, HydroFleet has delivered more than 450,000 kgs of ready-to-use, gaseous hydrogen fuel to end user fleets.
“Pooler is an ideal location for HydroFleet’s facility due to the proximity to major interstates, the Port of Savannah, and prospective fleet customers,” said HydroFleet’s CEO Scott Moe when the project was announced. “We know customers want zero-emission fleets but have struggled to source the entire hydrogen ecosystem at a price that is competitive. Through strategic partnerships and proven, safe technology, HydroFleet solves this challenging industry problem. We look forward to partnering with Pooler to lead the clean energy transition to cost-effective, emission-free heavy truck fleets here in Georgia.”
Pooler Mayor Karen Williams applauded HydroFleet’s desire to locate in Pooler. “HydroFleet’s investment in Pooler marks an exciting advancement in sustainable innovation and economic growth. This facility will enhance our local economy while establishing Pooler as a leader in clean energy solutions. By utilizing safe, proven hydrogen technology, it will reduce emissions and noise pollution, helping create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community.”
Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison added, “The advanced technology that HydroFleet employs to provide hydrogen for forklifts and heavy trucks is truly amazing and the trucks make hardly any noise, reducing noise pollution, and have zero emissions. They are a proven company with a proven track record, and we are excited to welcome them to Chatham County.”
More than 18,000 hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles are operating in the U.S., along with more than 570 hydrogen-powered buses and heavy trucks. Additionally, there are more than 80,000 hydrogen-powered forklifts in operation today. Companies including Amazon, Whirlpool and Walmart utilize hydrogen-powered forklift fleets.
The new facility will initially refuel seven to 14 trucks a day with future capacity reaching 50 trucks a day. In December 2024, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), in cooperation with Glovis America, announced it has deployed Hyundai XCIENT heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for clean logistics operations. Initially, a total of 21 XCIENT trucks will be in operation.
Environmentally friendly, hydrogen trucks replace existing local diesel trucks with an exhaust-free solution and reduced noise. Replacing one diesel powered Class 8 heavy truck with a hydrogen fuel cell truck removes 400+ metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. At future capacity, the hydrogen-powered truck fleet serviced by this facility will remove 40,000+ metric tons of CO2 from the Savannah region a year.
When the need arose, SEDA led the way by quarterbacking a regional hiring event—RISE Job Palooza. Organized in fewer than 15 working days, the event drew an impressive 2,400 job seekers and 124 employers to the Enmarket Arena.
RISE Job Palooza stood as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together, with key partners including: City of Savannah, Chatham County, Colonial Oil, International Paper, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Power, Development Authority of Bryan County, Savannah Technical College, WorkSource Coastal Georgia, United Way, Thomas & Hutton and EnMarket Arena.
While new company announcements may grab headlines, it is the businesses already here that sustain long-term growth—accounting for 60 to 80 percent of economic development projects nationwide.
SEDA’s Existing Industry Program is designed to support the continued success and expansion of these businesses through ongoing outreach and direct engagement. By working closely with industry partners, the program helps identify operational needs, workforce challenges, infrastructure requirements, and opportunities for growth. SEDA’s commitment to building strong industry relationships drove significant momentum in 2025, with business visits increasing by 22 percent over the previous year.