Mitsubishi Power’s announcement Friday that it will invest $490 million and create more than 220 jobs in Chatham County is the latest step in a local history that began during the Great Recession. Here is a look at how Mitsubishi Power’s presence in southeast Georgia developed. Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas announced in September 2009 that it would build a turbine manufacturing and service operation on the Pooler megasite near Savannah. The company initially projected an investment of $325 million and the creation of about 500 jobs. The plant was planned for roughly 120 acres of the larger 1,500-acre industrial site, which had remained vacant for years despite efforts to attract a major manufacturer. The announcement came during the recession, making the promised investment and jobs particularly significant for the region. Mitsubishi said the operation would produce components and eventually manufacture large gas and steam turbines. The location offered access to Interstates 16 and 95, rail service, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and the Port of Savannah. The first phase of Savannah Machinery Works began operating in late 2010, ahead of the company’s original schedule. Mitsubishi held a formal dedication for the complex in May 2011. Early operations focused on manufacturing combustors, which are key components of gas turbines, and servicing turbine equipment used by electric utilities. The company said at the 2011 dedication that the full complex would…
*This content (including text, artwork, graphics, photography, and video) was provided by the third party(ies) as referenced above. Any rights or other content questions or inquiries should be directed to such third-party provider(s).
