Southeast Toyota Distributors and JAXPORT announce $210 million agreement to relocate and expand company’s vehicle processing operations

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Board of Directors unanimously approved a $210 million long-term lease and relocation agreement with Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET), the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyota vehicles. SET is a subsidiary of Deerfield Beach, Florida-based JM Family Enterprises.

SET will relocate operations from its 50-acre facility at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal and an adjacent 23-acre private facility into a single 88-acre property at JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal. Combining operations at Blount Island creates operational efficiencies and additional space for SET to accommodate more vehicles.

The agreement is for 25 years with three additional five-year renewal options. The public-private partnership includes a nearly $180 million lease with JAXPORT and an additional $16.5 million from SET to modernize the Blount Island terminal. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will also provide a $16.5 million grant to assist with terminal development.

“This public-private partnership is an example of FDOT’s continued investment in the state’s transportation system,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “This type of collaboration helps market Florida’s world-class infrastructure to the world, bringing more jobs and businesses to our state while maximizing the return on the investments we’ve made for the citizens of Florida.”

Terminal upgrades at Blount Island include two state-of-the-art processing buildings and associate work areas totaling more than 250,000 square feet, as well as the addition of new on-site rail connections and truck loading areas. SET will remain at its current Talleyrand location until construction on the new facility is complete in late 2024.

“We appreciate the entire JAXPORT team for their business-forward thinking and their focus on our continued partnership. We are excited about this new facility, which will provide our dedicated associates with modern amenities while also increasing production efficiencies to serve our dealers,” said Southeast Toyota Distributors Group Vice President Casey Gunnell. “We are bullish on Jacksonville’s business climate, including ongoing diversification and development, and the availability of a skilled labor force looking to join our growing organization.”

SET has been operating at JAXPORT for more than 50 years and is one of the port’s longest-standing tenants.

In 2021, SET moved approximately 157,000 vehicles through JAXPORT. The company’s Jacksonville operations support more than 800 jobs, including processing, parts and distribution, and technical support and training.

“Last year, five of the nation’s 15 best-selling vehicles were Toyotas, many of which move through JAXPORT, including the country’s best selling mid-sized pickup, the Toyota Tacoma,” said JAXPORT Board Chair Wendy Hamilton. “Despite global supply chain challenges impacting the automotive industry, SET has increased the efficiency of their operations to meet dealer needs, a reflection of the strength of their leadership team and workforce.”

“We are proud that a company of this stature continues to grow its footprint in Jacksonville,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “This public-private partnership, along with the investments being made in the terminal by FDOT, allow us to build on our position as one of the country’s top vehicle-handling ports and meet the growing demand for vehicles in Florida and throughout the nation.”

In partnership with FDOT, $45 million in berth upgrades will soon be underway to enhance JAXPORT’s vehicle capabilities at Blount Island. The upgrades include expanding one auto berth to accommodate two larger vehicle ships simultaneously instead of one and the expansion of a second berth to more efficiently accommodate the larger vehicle ships calling the terminal.

JAXPORT is currently negotiating with a global vehicle manufacturer for use of the 50 acres at Talleyrand which will be vacated by SET. The property offers a dedicated vehicle berth with a 200,000-square-foot auto processing facility.