Liebherr is investing $230M in a new logistics center in Tupelo, Miss. The facility will enhance efficiency, create over 300 jobs and bolster the state's economic growth. Construction progress is steady despite weather challenges, with completion expected by late 2026.
Liebherr USA Co. photo
Liebherr is building a logistics center in Tupelo, Miss., that will streamline the distribution of parts and components, ensuring timely delivery and improved availability.
Committed to maintaining high service standards, Liebherr is building a logistics center in Tupelo, Miss., that will streamline the distribution of parts and components, ensuring timely delivery and improved availability. The new facility will incorporate the latest technologies and sustainable design elements, in an effort to meet changing customer requirements.
The planned investment sum for the whole campus development is up to $230 million. In the long term, Liebherr is planning to create more than 300 new jobs on the campus. These expansions and services will enable Liebherr to make long-term partnerships.
A project of this scale not only represents a major investment in Mississippi's economic future but also positions the Tupelo region as a critical logistics hub in the southeastern United States. Based on Liebherr's groundbreaking press release, this project will generate hundreds of construction and long-term operational jobs, strengthen regional supply chain capabilities and attract further industrial development. This kind of strategic infrastructure sets the stage for sustained growth, increased tax revenues and enhanced competitiveness for both the local community and the state.
The first phase involves an investment of $176 million. The facility will initially support the distribution of products from the multinational equipment manufacturer's earthmoving, tower cranes, concrete technology, mobile and crawler cranes and maritime cranes, as well as components. Additional product segments are expected to be integrated shortly after operations commence.
Hive Business Park is considered an ideal setting for Liebherr's new facility, as it combines strategic location, robust infrastructure and strong community backing. The central location facilitates efficient distribution and reduces transit times. The park is equipped with modern infrastructure that supports large-scale logistics operations, including warehousing, distribution, pre-assembly, packaging and customs services.
Noted in Liebherr's press release, this facility will greatly enhance Liebherr's operational efficiency across the Americas and the United States by streamlining the distribution of parts and components, reducing delivery times and improving the availability of critical supplies. This strategic investment will bolster Liebherr's supply chain infrastructure, ensuring that customers receive timely support and parts availability.
According to Liebherr's recent news release regarding updated information on this large scale project, it is expected to create numerous job opportunities, with an initial 180 jobs and plans to expand further, potentially creating more than 300 jobs in the long term. This influx of employment will drive economic growth in the region, providing stable incomes and fostering community development. Additionally, the construction and operation of the facility will stimulate local businesses and services, contributing to the overall economic vitality of the area.
Evans General Contractors has been selected as the contractor for the project. According to Arturo Garcia, project executive of Evans General Contractors, the construction of a distribution and logistics center is a multi-phase process. It involves site selection, design, permitting, site preparation, building construction and final systems installation that includes earth work, concrete work, building envelope, steel installation, joist and deck, electrical installation, plumbing, roofing, HVAC and other trades.
"In Mississippi, this process has evolved alongside the state's growing importance as a logistics hub, due to its strategic location along the Gulf Coast, major interstate highways such as I-55 and I-20, rail connections and proximity to major ports such as the Port of Gulfport and the Port of Pascagoula. Mississippi has increasingly attracted logistics investments due to its strategic geography, improving infrastructure and incentives offered by state economic development programs. The state's experience in supporting major distribution centers means that while the construction process follows general industry standards, it also includes local adaptations for climate, soil conditions and storm resilience."
Garcia said work has been progressing steadily and largely uninterrupted.
"We've maintained strong momentum across all phases, thanks to proactive scheduling and constant coordination between subcontractors. While we experienced a few weather-related delays due to heavy rain and even some unexpected snow in the area, these impacts were minimal and quickly mitigated through revised daily work plans.
"We've also been conducting weekly coordination meetings, particularly focusing on ongoing design developments from systems integrator vendor, SSI Schafer. SSI Schaefer will manage the complete delivery of warehouse and conveyor technology and oversee all involved trades. This collaboration has been crucial in aligning design updates with field conditions and installation sequencing, ensuring there are no bottlenecks during critical path activities."
Construction currently taking place includes site clearing, mass grade cut /fill, underground utilities installation, underground electrical duct banks, placing concrete in foundations and slab on grade and soil testing. Garcia noted that Tupelo, like much of northeastern Mississippi, has clay-heavy soil that can expand and contract with moisture.
"This creates challenges for laying stable foundations and can lead to long-term structural issues if not properly addressed. Soil testing and appropriate foundation systems, like pier and beam or deep footings, are often necessary. In addition, Mississippi weather has a considerable impact on construction due to its highly variable and often severe climate.
"The state experiences frequent thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, high humidity and extreme heat, especially during the summer months. These conditions can delay project timelines, increase labor and material costs and pose significant safety risks on site. Rain can also create muddy job sites that are difficult to work on without proper drainage or gravel access roads."
Liebherr heavy equipment being used on the job includes the L 550 and L 546 wheel loaders for earth work, moving dirt, loading material into trucks and site cleanup; the R 945, R 930 and R 920 crawler excavators for earth work and digging foundations and trenches for utilities; the PR 756, PR 736 and PR 726 crawler dozers for earth work, pushing large volumes of earth and site clearing; a PR 716 crawler dozer; and a TA 230 articulated dump truck.
Liebherr 250-ton and 350-ton cranes also are needed for lifting and placing steel beams, roof and other large structural components, while the Liebherr 38XXT and 47XXT truck-mounted concrete pumps deliver concrete to hard-to-reach areas like deep footings, slab pours or upper floors.
Other heavy machinery on site includes graders to prepare a smooth, level base for foundations or paved surfaces such as parking lots and loading docks; skid steers for moving material and cleanup; and forklifts for unloading and transporting materials and boom lifts to provide access to high elevations for steel erection, electrical installation and roofing,
Approximately 250,000 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved on the project. Crews are working with roughly 35,000 cu. yds. of concrete and about 180,000 sq. ft. of concrete tilt wall panels.
For an effective construction outcome, Garcia said ensuring effective collaboration among all the various stakeholders is essential and calls for early and consistent engagement.
"It starts with clear communication and shared expectations. This includes owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, vendors and inspectors to align goals and identify potential conflicts before they impact the schedule or budget.
"We also have weekly design meetings with all stakeholders and weekly meetings with Liebherr vendors to keep everyone informed and accountable. These include agenda-driven updates, milestone tracking and open forums for identifying and resolving issues early."
The logistics center, a major milestone for the company, is expected to be completed in late 2026. For Joerg Stroebele, managing director at Liebherr-Logistics GmbH, carefully planned design and construction of the facility underscores the company's dedication to excellence.
"By establishing this facility, Liebherr aims to provide faster and more efficient services to its customers, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry." CEG
Cindy Riley
Birmingham, Ala., native Cindy RIley originally planned on a career in law, but during her sophomore year in college realized journalism was her true calling. A magna cum laude graduate of Samford University, Riley first worked in radio and TV. Named Best News Anchor, Best News Reporter and Best Investigative Reporter by the Associated Press, she interviewed numerous personalities, ranging from Dr. Henry Kissinger and President Bush to Michael Jordan and Captain Kangaroo.
As a print journalist, Riley has covered a variety of topics, including construction, business, health and the arts. In addition to CEG, her work has appeared in special reports for USA Today and the L.A. Times. Other publications have included New South Magazine, Portico, Thicket, Alabama Heritage, B-Metro, Business First and Birmingham Business Journal.
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