The Great Dane facility is opening for production following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new plant comes little more than a year after the company broke ground on its newest manufacturing plant in Statesboro.

Great Dane's new plant is expected to bring more than 400 jobs to the area.

"This building reflects the diligence and focus of countless individuals over the past two years, working together toward this day in some of the most difficult economic times we can remember," President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Crown said. "Just as Great Dane has set the standard for excellence with our products over the past century, this plant sets a new standard for cutting-edge manufacturing and efficiency."

The plant encompasses 450,000 square feet and is dedicated to manufacturing the company's new Everest refrigerated trailers.

At full capacity, the new facility will be able to produce more than 5,000 trailers annually.

Tags: jobs, Statesboro, GPB News, Great Dane Trailers, Bill Crown