As the Western Hemisphere’s commercial gateway, Florida’s unique location allows companies to move products from the U.S. to international markets efficiently and effectively. Projects such as the Panama Canal expansion are overhauling shipping options for the international trade industry and Florida ports are strategically positioned to take maximum advantage of this opportunity. While the expansion is not yet complete, companies are already taking notice of the new opportunities Florida provides.

Volkswagen Group of America recently announced JAXPORT as the location of its new import facility and Southeastern distribution center. The plant and properties will receive and process factory-new Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley vehicles. Within five years, Volkswagen will transport 550,000 cars and SUVs through the port.

“Floridians have demonstrated a strong support for the Volkswagen Group of America brands, and selecting the Port of Jacksonville as our Southeastern U.S. port is part of our growth strategy,” said David Geanacopoulos, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and General Counsel, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “In utilizing JAXPORT, we will be able to bring Audi, Bentley and Volkswagen products closer to our Florida customers, and provide enhanced customer service in this key market.”

The Jacksonville port is a full-service, international trade seaport, situated at the crossroads of the nation’s rail and highway network. So far, $600 million in infrastructure improvements have been made in everything from cranes to docks to rail and a newly authorized project to deepen the federal shipping channel. JAXPORT is the nation’s number one port for vehicle exports.

Florida has the second ranked transportation infrastructure in the U.S. making it an ideal location for logistics and distribution companies. Florida’s state-of-the-art infrastructure is just one of the many reasons why companies are looking at the state as a global hub for business.

To read more on why Volkswagen chose JAXPORT,click here.