Dynacraft, one of the nation’s leading bicycle suppliers, has chosen the Port of Savannah as its new East Coast gateway.

Nelson Costa, vice president of operations and leadership development for Dynacraft, said several factors made Savannah the smartest option.

“The operational efficiency of the Port of Savannah will allow us to better serve the needs of our retail partners and reduce our operating costs,” Costa said. “Growth potential is another key issue. As we continue to grow as a company, it is encouraging to see that the Port of Savannah also has plans in place to continue to meet the needs of the logistics community.”

Some of the products distributed by Dynacraft include the Tony Hawk Park Series, and bike and scooter brands such as Hello Kitty, My Little Pony, Monster High, Barbie, Transformers and Hot Wheels. The company recently entered the electric and battery operated ride-on market by introducing a variety of new licensed products, as well as new products under Dynacraft’s Surge brand.

Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Curtis Foltz said the Port of Savannah’s geographic location and superior links via road and rail mean Dynacraft’s products will reach shelves faster.

“Dynacraft’s decision to locate its East Coast operation in Savannah will provide cost-effective and reliable access to the fastest-growing markets in the nation,” Foltz said.

In fact, the California-based company will serve not only the Southeast, but also portions of the Southwest, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions via Savannah.

“The Port of Savannah is ideally located in a part of the country that enables us to service our East Coast retail partners efficiently,” Costa said, adding that the high-volume importer also decided to place its trust in the GPA because of the people involved.

“We feel that the strength of the port operation is its senior leadership,” he explained. “The team appears fully engaged and committed to ensuring that all entities of the operation are continuously working towards a common goal.”

Dynacraft has contracted third-party logistics provider California Cartage and leased 100,000 square feet for Phase I of its operation in Georgia. The first import shipments are expected to arrive in Savannah on June 25.

“We are excited Dynacraft has become a partner in our growth,” said GPA Board Chairman Robert Jepson. “Constant improvements in port infrastructure, highway and rail capacity — coupled with smart business practices — are drawing new customers to our state and new jobs for Georgians.”