A consumer electronics giant is taking a big chunk of DCT space in Fairburn.

Samsung is leasing some 550k SF at DCT Industrial's SouthCreek Industrial Park, sources said.

It is unclear what Samsung expects to be distributing from the new facility. But DCT CEO Phil Hawkins alluded to the deal in a recent call with stock analysts when he was asked about global and trade uncertainties this year. DCT's Jay Mitchell and JLL's Bob Currie, who is representing Samsung, declined to comment as of press time.

Since the Trump administration and Congress have "expansionist, pro-growth instincts," that should bode well for the distribution industry, Hawkins said. It is the reason a major, at-the-time unnamed consumer electronics tenant went forward with a big Atlanta lease under the belief that the region's strong economy will continue to fuel demand for products.

“Let me give you an example that that tenant I talked about in Atlanta is a — can’t use their name, but they’re global, very well known company focused on consumer electronics and household appliances, headquartered outside the U.S,” Hawkins said. “As far as we know, to find space in Atlanta started after the election and then finished in the month of January quickly, decisively and showing no flinching whatsoever about sort of the turmoil surrounding all of us."

Samsung represents the starting pistol for 2017's industrial leasing race. Last year, big names in e-commerce and consumer products like Google, Amazon, Medline Industries, Smuckers, Williams-Sonoma, Variety Wholesalers and Duracell landed deals or moved into distribution centers here, according to a recent Colliers International report.

"Continued expansion in the e-commerce, logistics and manufacturing industries led to a total of 16.5M SF absorbed in 2016," officials stated in the report. "Altogether, these companies highlight the persistent demand for modern industrial warehouse shaping the Atlanta market, with e-commerce growth being the driving factor."

CORRECTION Feb. 21, 4:40 p.m ET: DCT Industrial CEO Phil Hawkins was the executive who spoke with stock analysts about a recent Atlanta deal. This story incorrectly attributed those comments to DCT's Matt Murphy. It has been updated.