Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.) Inc. to Locate East Coast Distribution Center Near Savannah

ATLANTA, Dec. 10, 2009 —The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced today that Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.) Inc., a worldwide leader in the logistics industry, will open a new distribution center this month in Bloomingdale, near Savannah, that will serve as the company's primary East Coast distribution center. The company will create 10 jobs initially and plans for further development at the location as the growth of the Georgia ports expands the need for its services.
'We welcome Mitsui-Soko's investment in Georgia, which attests to the critical part the Georgia Ports play in the state's economy,' said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'As the ports grow, so will the strength of our logistics sector, one of Georgia's strategic industries, as well as the success of forward-thinking companies like Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.).'

Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.) Inc. has an office and warehouse complex in Lawrenceville, Ga., and is branching out to the Savannah area to better serve key clients in need of specialized local services.  The new facility will initially consist of 60,000 square feet of space in the Bloomingdale complex at 111 S. H. Morgan Parkway, which is the first speculative industrial development in the Southeastern United States built to LEED certified Silver Standard, ensuring environmentally efficient operations and maintenance.

'This location is ideal for our company as we continue to expand our services to meet the anticipated increase in cargo volume through Georgia ports due to the Panama Canal expansion project,' said Ryuji Ikeda, President of Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.). 'Long-term, we are interested in using the environmentally- friendly method of water transportation through the Georgia Ports in Savannah as an alternative to the routing of eastbound cargo from the West Coast by rail and/or truck.'

'We are very pleased to welcome Mitsui Soko to the Savannah Area," stated Stacy Watson, manager of Economic & Industrial Development, Georgia Ports Authority. 'Mitsui Soko's expansion into Savannah is a testament to the Port of Savannah's efficient terminal operations, diverse carrier selection, and competitive port-proximate real estate market. Savannah's proven logistical advantages continue to add value to growing companies like Mitsui Soko.'

'The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) worked with our partners at the Georgia Ports Authority to help Mitsui Soko realize the full potential of locating their operation in Savannah,' said SEDA Vice President Lynn Pitts. 'Joining the ranks of other Japanese heavy hitters already in the area, like Fuji Oil and Mitsubishi Power Systems, Mitsui's decision to locate here further reinforces the global appeal of operating a business in Savannah.'

Pat Dinon, director of West Coast business development, assisted the company on behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Ports Authority, as did Tonya Cooper, GDEcD Project Manager, Coastal Region.

About the company
As an international freight forwarder, Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.) Inc. provides import/export forwarding and NVOCC services, records management, customized 3PL services, and comprehensive supply chain management.  It currently operates over one million square feet of warehouse space in eight locations throughout the United States. Mitsui-Soko (U.S.A.) Inc. has an extensive history in the international arena as a direct subsidiary of Mitsui-Soko Co., Ltd., established in 1909 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.  Over the past 100 years, Mitsui-Soko has grown on a global scale to develop more than thirty subsidiary operations across sixteen countries, offering a full array of transportation and distribution services both locally and internationally.

About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.