A powerhouse in the automotive distribution sector, Southeast Toyota Distributors, the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyotas, is steering ahead with the construction of an expansive 250,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art auto processing facility at JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal. Slated for completion in 2025, this substantial $120 million public-private partnership aims to modernize the company’s operations with enhanced on-site rail connections and designated truck loading zones.
Upon completion, Southeast Toyota will consolidate its operations from a 50-acre facility at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal and an adjacent 23-acre private site into a unified 88-acre property at Blount Island. This strategic move will boost operational efficiencies and provide additional space to accommodate more vehicles, optimizing the company’s logistical flow.
We were selected as the electrical contractor for this project through multiple rounds of budget proposals with a competitive bid award process to secure the project. The project involves working with multiple existing clients to build the auto processing facility —JM Family, Southeast Toyota Distributors, JE Dunn, and, notably, the property owner Jaxport, with whom we’ve nurtured a strong relationship over the years. Ensuring we secured this project was a top priority, reflecting our commitment and dedication.
It’s What We Do
The project’s scale is impressive. We’re talking about powering seven major buildings, each requiring an elaborate electrical framework. This includes primary and secondary power rough-ins, emergency generator installations, fire alarm systems, low voltage rough-ins, lighting, receptacles, and specialized spaces such as offices, kitchens, warehouses, vehicle processing areas, a fueling station, and EV stations. Our goal is to weaveast Toyota e a seamless and robust electrical network that powers every aspect of the facility. Adding to the complexity, we’re gearing up to install a new underground low-voltage distribution system across the expansive 88-acre site. This involves laying down over 15,000 feet of electrical conduit, setting up manholes, and erecting security poles. We are also upgrading and modifying over 20 high mast light poles to ensure the entire facility is well lit and secure.
This project leverages a multifaceted strategy, encompassing advanced BIM/VDC coordination, efficient pre-fabrication techniques, and seamless collaboration with our low-voltage team who has a long history of working with JM Family. It truly encapsulates the breadth of our solutions, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and our readiness to tackle complex challenges.
But what makes this project truly special is our close collaboration with Jaxport. Over the past three years, we’ve deepened our partnership, supported by a standing service agreement. Now, we’re not just building a facility for Southeast Toyota Distributors, we’re creating an integrated ecosystem that spans from the docks where the cars are offloaded to the gates they pass through as they leave the SET facility. This holistic approach allows us to service every aspect of the auto processing journey.
We look forward to exceeding the expectations of our clients on Blount Island for many years to come, further cementing Miller Electric’s reputation as a trusted partner.