Dorel Sports, maker of brands such as Schwinn and Mongoose bicycles, has announced plans to more than triple its Savannah footprint to 1.1 million square feet.
“This significant increase and the business it will accommodate are a testament to the efficiency of serving the eastern U.S. via the Port of Savannah,” said Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch. “Larger vessels now calling our terminal, coupled with shorter overland rail routes, make Georgia the logical choice to serve retail and manufacturing needs across the eastern half of the country.”
Dorel Sports entered the Savannah market in 2016 with a 338,000 square-foot facility in neighboring Effingham County. With a virtual grand opening Thursday, the company has shifted operations to a new Effingham location in the Georgia International Trade Center, leasing 775,000 square feet of an existing building. By 2023, the company’s strategic plans call for occupying the rest of that building, bringing its total capacity there to 1.1 million square feet.
The upsizing will also bring an increase in staffing, although final numbers have not yet been set.
“As the business continues to evolve, it’s paramount our team has the tools to exceed customer expectations,” said Nando Zucchi, president of Pacific Cycle, Dorel’s U.S. division. “The new distribution center in Savannah is a perfect example of how we plan to keep investing in best-in-class facilities to deliver award-winning products around the globe.”
From its new distribution center, the bicycle maker will serve all markets east of the Mississippi River. Product lines include Schwinn, Mongoose, Kid Trax, Cannondale and GT.
“Savannah has been a good location for us. We and our customers have been very happy with the service levels at the Georgia Ports Authority,” said Brad Gandy, senior director of North American Operations for Pacific Cycle/Dorel Sports. “Growing our footprint here will allow us to serve our expanding customer base with a broader assortment of products and shorter delivery times.”
The new Savannah facility, along with existing fulfillment centers in California and Illinois, creates a logistics network to serve all Dorel Sports customers within two to three days, regardless of geographic region.
“We are excited to welcome Dorel Sports to Effingham County,” said Brandt Herndon, chief executive officer of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. “We are honored they have chosen our community for their flagship East Coast fulfillment center, and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”
