Freedom Trailers, a cargo trailer manufacturer, will invest $1.5 million to expand its production center in Willacoochee, Georgia. The project will create 75 jobs and retain 85 jobs in Atkinson County.

The firm’s 44,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be completed in June and 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. The company is now a leading U.S. producer of cook and concession trailers.

“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. “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.”

“The Freedom Trailers expansion emphasizes how start-up manufacturing companies benefit from our pro-business environment,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development 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.”

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