Georgia Ports welcomes heavy equipment processor to area

Belgian company Aertssen Logistics establishes U.S. footprint

SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug. 15, 2024 – Heavy equipment producers moving cargo through the Georgia Ports Authority have a new Savannah-area processing and logistics services option.

“We are proud to welcome Aertssen Logistics to the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “Their new location in Effingham County will enable them to significantly grow their logistics business model and provide the region with value-added service for our respective customers.”

Belgian-based Aertssen Logistics is establishing a footprint in the U.S. with an international logistics site in Rincon, Ga., just 14 miles from the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal. The equipment processing center (EPC) serves manufacturers of agriculture, mining and construction machinery.

Company officials said the location offers land for future expansion, a strong local workforce, strategic highways and quick access to the Port of Savannah’s 35+ weekly services to world markets.

The EPC provides comprehensive logistics services, indoor and outdoor storage, and various tailor-made technical services. Its strategic location near the Port of Savannah, a key hub for the southeastern United States, makes the 35-acre facility an ideal logistics center.

Aertssen Logistics partnered with private investors The Broe Group to develop the Savannah area operations hub. The location will enable faster, more efficient service for its North American clients.

“We see significant opportunities for growth, fueled by a strong US economy with substantial investments in infrastructure, which are driving an increased demand for our customers’ machinery.” said Guus Verhaagen, Business Development Manager USA of Aertssen Logistics. “At the same time, there is a growing need for more efficient logistics solutions. With our broad range of high-quality services, we are perfectly positioned to meet these demands.”

The equipment processing center manages the complete outsourcing of logistics activities, including machine inspections, repairs, technical services, and complete assembly. Including its three European locations, Aertssen Logistics now prepares over 30,000 machines a year for global delivery to end customers in the machinery sector.

The first machines arrived at the Georgia facility in late May, and the collaboration with various partners has already necessitated further expansion.

"Our customers and employees are at the core of everything we do," says Sam Aertssen, Director of Aertssen Logistics. "While we've had a strong start in the USA, it's crucial to sustain this growth responsibly. I am incredibly grateful for the journey we've undertaken so far and look forward to what lies ahead."

About Georgia Ports

Georgia’s ports and inland terminals support more than 561,000 jobs throughout the state annually, contributing $33 billion in income, $140 billion in revenue and $3.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. GPA anticipates investing $4.2 billion in the next ten years as part of its port master plan to expand cargo handling capabilities to support future supply chain requirements. As part of GPA’s community engagement efforts, $6 million will be donated to communities located near the Port of Savannah to support a multi-year, local workforce housing initiative. CNBC ranked Georgia #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in America’s Top States for Business in 2023. Area Development – a site selection news outlet for the U.S., has ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for ten consecutive years. For further information, visit gaports.com or contact Edward Fulford, manager of media relations, efulford@gaports.com 912-964-3806.