ATLANTA—Atlanta has one of the most active industrial markets in the nation. Specifically, Atlanta closed the second quarter with 6.5 million square feet of industrial absorption.

Atlanta has many key factors that contribute to industrial activity and market stability. The city provides access to 80% of US consumers in under two days, serves as the hub of the fastest growing region in the nation, provides a business-friendly economy and diverse industry make-up, and is cost efficient. It also serves as an inland port and relies on the Port of Savannah.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Blaine Kelley, CBRE senior vice president of Industrial & Logistics, to understand how the Port affects the metro area in part one of this exclusive interview. In part two, we'll take a closer look at where Atlanta's industrial market is heading.