A Rich History of Manufacturing in Savannah

Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the United States, has a long and rich tradition of manufacturing. Since its founding in 1733, the city has played a crucial role in the economic development of the Southeast. In the early days, Savannah’s industries were centered around its natural resources, including timber, rice, and cotton. With its strategic location along the Savannah River and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the city quickly became a hub for shipbuilding, textile production, and agricultural processing.

The 19th and early 20th centuries saw further industrialization, with the rise of paper mills, foundries, and chemical plants. Savannah’s port, one of the busiest on the East Coast, facilitated the export of goods and raw materials, reinforcing the city’s importance in manufacturing. The city’s economy diversified further with the advent of the aerospace and automotive industries in the mid-to-late 20th century, attracting national and international manufacturers to the region.

The Current State of Manufacturing in Savannah

Today, manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Savannah’s economy. The city is home to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, logistics, shipbuilding, food processing, and advanced materials manufacturing.

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Aerospace, one of the world’s leading business jet manufacturers, is a flagship company in the region, employing thousands of skilled workers and driving innovation in aviation. The presence of major manufacturers like Mitsubishi Power, JCB, and International Paper further cements Savannah’s status as a powerhouse in the manufacturing sector.

One of Savannah’s greatest assets is the Port of Savannah, operated by the Georgia Ports Authority. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing container ports in the United States, providing manufacturers with seamless access to global markets. The port’s efficiency, coupled with a well-developed infrastructure of highways, railroads, and airports, makes Savannah an attractive destination for manufacturers looking to expand their operations.

Additionally, the city’s emphasis on workforce development, supported by institutions like Savannah Technical College and Georgia Southern University, ensures a steady pipeline of skilled labor for the manufacturing sector. Efforts to integrate automation and smart manufacturing technologies are also enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of local manufacturers.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality management system standard that helps businesses ensure that their products and services meet customer expectations and comply with regulatory requirements. To obtain ISO 9001 certification, a business must undergo a rigorous auditing process that assesses its quality management system and confirms that it meets the standard’s requirements.

What are the steps to Obtaining ISO 9001 Certification?

Step 1: Create a Quality Management System (QMS)

To obtain ISO 9001 Certification, the initial step is to create a Quality Management System (QMS) that meets the standard’s requirements. This involves identifying the essential processes and procedures necessary to manage the organization’s operations and improve quality control. The processes and procedures must be documented and customized to suit the organization’s specific needs.

Step 2: Implement the QMS

The next step is to implement the QMS throughout the organization, including training employees on new processes and procedures and integrating the QMS into the overall business processes. This ensures that the QMS functions effectively.

Step 3: Perform an Internal Audit

Before seeking certification, an internal audit must be conducted to ensure that the QMS is functioning effectively. This includes reviewing processes and procedures to identify any areas needing improvement and making necessary changes.

Step 4: Select a Certification Body

Finally, an accredited certification body needs to be selected to conduct a thorough external audit to verify that the QMS meets ISO 9001 standards. Choosing the right certification body is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and successful certification audit.

“Fantastic. Very informative for a new company like Humming Bird Industrial Supply. You totally understood our situation and walked us through each section slow enough so that we could understand this process.”

Mickey M, Hummingbird Industrial Supply – PA

How ISO 9001 Aligns with Savannah’s Business Culture

Savannah’s business culture values resilience, innovation, and community—qualities that align closely with the principles of ISO 9001. By fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ISO 9001 certification supports the city’s long-standing tradition of innovation while preparing businesses for the challenges of a global economy.

The logistics and manufacturing sectors, in particular, can leverage ISO 9001 to improve supply chain efficiency and meet international standards, reinforcing Savannah’s role as a critical hub in global trade. Similarly, service-oriented businesses in tourism and hospitality can use ISO 9001 to enhance guest experiences and uphold Savannah’s reputation as a premier destination.

Building a Collaborative Future

Savannah’s business community thrives on collaboration and mutual support. Organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) play a vital role in fostering partnerships, offering resources, and advocating for policies that benefit local businesses.

Networking events, training programs, and mentorship initiatives further enhance the city’s business ecosystem. By integrating ISO 9001 certification into these efforts, Savannah can continue to build a culture of excellence that attracts investment, talent, and innovation.

“CORE was tremendously helpful in readying our organization to undergo the ISO certification process. We were seeking accreditation to three standards, 9001, 14001 and 45001 which we accomplished in only about 7 months for a medium sized company. CORE handled many things for us including selecting a registrar, leading management reviews, conducting internal audits and providing support for questions that came up during both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits. We are very happy with CORE and would recommend them to anyone wishing to undergo the certification process.”

Jessie M, BioSafe Systems – PA

“Working with Core Business Solutions and Norm Verbeck has been amazing!! We are extremely pleased with the service they provided along with the fact that they took time to educate us on the ISO standards and requirements. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner to assist us during this journey!”

Felicia G, Tripak Industries

ISO 9001 Certification Savannah, GA