Southeast Toyota Distributors gave the public a look at its $170 million Blount Island Marine Terminal operation during a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 22.
The company began moving into the facility in October 2025 and initiated full operations in November. The 380,000-square-foot campus at 8975 Dave Rawls Blvd. on Jacksonville’s Northside comprises seven buildings for processing and distribution of vehicles to 178 dealers in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
The main building accounts for 272,000 square feet of the total footprint and includes office space, a full kitchen, cafeteria, locker rooms and a fitness center. Foundation work on the campus began in August 2023 and vertical construction got underway in July 2024.
Political and business leaders at the event included Gov. Ron DeSantis, JaxPort CEO Eric Green, state Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville.
Southeast Toyota President Brent Sergot said the facility employs about 400 full-time workers, of which 95% are local hires.
Kansas City, Missouri-based JE Dunn Construction served as construction manager for the project, working with Jacksonville-based kasper architects + associates.
“This new facility is a significant investment in enhancing processing and logistics capabilities, symbolizing trust, respect and shared purpose with dealers,” said Eric Carter, Southeast Toyota Group vice president of operations. “It is a testament to the dedication of our associates.”
The Blount Island facility currently receives vehicles produced domestically in areas including Princeton, Indiana, and Georgetown, Kentucky, by rail or truck.
Ray Natour, Southeast Toyota vice president of processing and logistics, said that by 2027 it will add service by ship from manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and Mexico, adding volume to its international output.
Sergot said the distribution center has the capacity to process up to 165,000 vehicles annually.
In 2022, the Jacksonville Port Authority board approved a 25-year lease with the company for 88 acres on Blount Island. The lease agreement includes three five-year renewal options.
Southeast Toyota until early November 2025 leased JaxPort-owned space at 1950 Talleyrand Ave., where Enstructure LLC now distributes Mazda vehicles. Southeast Toyota also maintains facilities in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Commerce, Georgia.
Funding for the distribution facility was made possible through sources including an undisclosed investment from Southeast Toyota and a $19.78 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.
