MAP International Expands in Glynn County

Brunswick, GA, December 12, 2022

Since 1954, MAP International has served millions of people through the help of partners, donors, hospitals, clinics, and medical mission teams, fulfilling its Christian mission to provide life-changing medicines and health supplies for the world’s poorest, most vulnerable people. Each year, MAP distributes more than $500 million of these products in approximately 86 countries.  Initiatives include disease treatment and prevention; disaster relief; health and wellness; and surgical and health supplies.

MAP currently receives donated medicines and medical supplies which it stores and prepares for distribution at its 40,000 square foot warehouse located in the Brunswick-McBride Industrial Park in north Glynn County. The Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA) has agreed to construct an additional 43,000 square foot of distribution space for MAP on a “build to suit” basis, which MAP will lease back from GIDA. This additional building will be adjacent to MAP’s current distribution facility in the Industrial Park, which is under GIDA’s authority.

Steve Stirling, MAP’s President, and CEO said, “MAP’s Board of Directors and staff are thrilled that we will be expanding our warehouse capacity by 43,000 square feet next to our current distribution center in Brunswick. This will increase the distribution center capacity to more than 80,000 square feet, enabling MAP to double our impact over the next five years to help millions of people around the world get access to lifesaving medicine and health supplies. Locating the new building adjacent to the current distribution center will streamline operational efficiencies from three warehouse locations into one.”

MAP relocated to Brunswick, Georgia from the Chicago area in 1985 and has been in its current location since 2008. MAP utilizes nearly 300 local Mvolunteers to pack materials for missions and worldwide distribution. While MAP considered other locations for its expansion, it ultimately determined that remaining in Brunswick, with its committed volunteers and access to international shipping ports, was critical.

GIDA was able to facilitate MAP remaining in its longtime location.  Ryan Moore, President, and CEO of GIDA embraced MAP’s decision to increase its footprint in Glynn County: “We are blessed to have MAP International in our community, and to see firsthand their global impact. Working with Steve Stirling, Jason Merrymen, and the team has been rewarding and we appreciate their commitment to MAP’s mission and to this community.”

“Georgia’s ports help distribute a diverse range of products around the world, with organizations like MAP International sending life-saving medicines where they’re needed most. Public-private partnerships are key to supporting the growth of organizations and businesses, and Georgia’s team approach to economic development creates a successful environment across the state. Congratulations to MAP International, the Golden Isles Development Authority, Glynn County, and the Port of Brunswick for this impactful expansion,” said Kristi Brigman, Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

MAP and GIDA have been working over the past several months to put together the team for the build, including Lynch Associates Architects (Savannah), Thomas & Hutton (Brunswick office) for engineering, and BuildWise Project Management LLC (Brunswick), which is serving as the Owners Rep. Following a competitive process, the parties engaged Omega Construction, a regional commercial construction company with deep ties to Glynn County.  It is anticipated that this multi-million-dollar project will take approximately ten months to complete.

“Omega is thrilled to be selected by MAP International for its new facility expansion. MAP’s mission, global impact, and the lives they are changing each day is something our team really wanted to be involved in,” said Todd Mayo, Vice President of Omega’s Savannah Division. “The opportunity to collaborate with MAP, GIDA and the impressive design team gives us a lot to look forward to as we move into the construction phase.”

“We are thankful for the work done by GIDA to find a mutually beneficial solution for MAP and for Glynn County.  We appreciate the work MAP does worldwide and the presence it has here in our community.  We could not be happier they will remain in Glynn to continue their mission.” said Glynn County Commission Chairman, Wayne Neal.