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Target to Locate New Import Warehouse in Savannah

Wednesday, September 21, 2005  Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

 

Facility to Create Hundreds of New Jobs

SAVANNAH , GA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Target will build a two million-square-foot import warehouse at the Savannah River International Trade Park .  The facility will initially employ 200, with the addition of several hundred jobs within the first few years of the facility's operation.

The new Savannah import warehouse will be located at the Savannah River International Trade Park , four miles from the Garden City Terminal at the Port of Savannah .  Construction has already begun and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2007.  Hiring for the facility will begin in the spring of 2007.

“Target plays a vital role in Georgia 's economy, and today's announcement is a product of the close cooperation of the state, the Georgia Ports Authority, and city and county economic development officials,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.

Target operates 41 stores in the state of Georgia , including seven SuperTarget stores, and a 1.5 million-square-foot distribution center in Tifton that employs approximately 800.  In January, Target announced that it would build a distribution center in Midway, Georgia ( Liberty County ) that is currently under construction.

“Savannah/Chatham County, the state of Georgia and the Georgia Ports Authority have provided Target an excellent opportunity to continue growing our import and distribution business,” said Mitch Stover, senior vice president, distribution, Target.  “We look forward to building a long standing relationship with the Savannah community.”

“Today's announcement is just the first step in continuing our development of a world-class port,” said Georgia Ports Authority Chairman of the Board Mack Mattingly.  “All the hard work we have put into the Savannah International Trade Park has paid off in landing one of our country's top retail distribution tenants.”

“We would like to thank Target for their confidence in our ability to handle their business,” said Doug J. Marchand, executive director of the GPA.  “This announcement will create jobs and economic opportunities throughout Georgia for many years to come.”

“The state of Georgia and Savannah/Chatham County have supported our superior port with the infrastructure necessary to attract and locate major distribution operations.  The location of this Target Import Warehouse further confirms the area's position as one of the most logistics friendly in the nation.  We are proud to welcome Target to the community,” said SEDA president Rick Winger.

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,351 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering retail trends at affordable prices.  Target is committed to providing guests with innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships.  Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs.  Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.