The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced Wednesday that Freedom Trailers, a Georgia-based cargo trailer manufacturer, will expand existing operations in Willacoochee. The project, a $1.5 million investment, will create 75 jobs and retain 85 jobs in Atkinson County.

“The Freedom Trailers expansion emphasizes how start-up manufacturing companies benefit from our pro-business environment,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “The jobs and investment have significant implications for the Atkinson County community and I have no doubt that this thriving company will continue to find support from the qualified, ready to work talent pool in Willacoochee.”

The 44,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be completed in June 2014 and will include a solar power electrical generating system to produce approximately half of the total power usage. With this expansion, Freedom Trailers will increase its existing production capability to better meet the needs of its dealers. Hiring has already begun.

“The city of Willacoochee and Mayor Lace Futch in particular have been instrumental in helping bring this project to fruition,” said Hal Baxley, GM, Freedom Trailers, LLC. “Freedom Trailers started with almost nothing and in just seven years, God has blessed us tremendously. We will continue to do the things that allow us to be blessed, and that is providing quality, high-paying jobs to the Willacoochee community.”

Freedom Trailers has been a successful entrepreneurial operation since 2007. The company is now a leading U.S. producer of cook and concession trailers and was nominated for small manufacturer of the year by Wiregrass Technical College.

GDEcD Senior Project Manager Michelle Shaw, who managed the expansion on behalf of Georgia, worked in collaboration with the city of Willacoochee.

“Freedom Trailers has been a tremendous asset to Willacoochee and Atkinson County,” said immediate past Willacoochee Major, Lace Futch. “The new and retained jobs are almost 200, so this will have a huge impact in southeast Georgia.”