KI Logistics expanding South Carolina operations
June 11, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – KI Logistics, a division of Kimura, Inc. a subsidiary of global logistics leader Kimura Unity, will expand its new North American headquarters and major logistics facility in South Carolina. The addition of 64,000 square feet – before the state-of-the-art facility has even opened — will add an additional $2.7 million in investment and is expected to create at least 20 more jobs.
In October 2013, KI Logistics announced that it would invest at least $11.5 million and generate as many as 149 new jobs over “the next several years as business warrants” company officials said at the time.
“Ever since we announced plans for the new facility, we have been requested by both existing and new customers across the region to provide additional assistance,” said Harry Chase, Vice President of Logistics for KI Logistics. “As we prepare to open our new facility in a matter of weeks, the time is right to undertake this expansion.”
KI Logistics originally planned to build a 208,000 square foot custom facility at The Matrix, with an option to expand the facility in the future. The addition will expand the building footprint by roughly 30%, Chase noted, bringing the facility’s full capacity to 272,000 square feet. He expects to begin operations at the completed facility in July, with the additional space completed by September.
““It is truly a testament to our growing business community when a company chooses to expand in our state and another great sign that we are headed in the right direction. We congratulate KI Logistics on their decision to invest another $2.7 million and create 20 more jobs, on top of the $11.5 million and 149 jobs already announced.”,” said Governor Nikki Haley.
While parent company Kimura Inc. already operates a 70,000 square foot facility in Laurens, SC that manufactures steel containers and racks for the automotive market, the century-old Kimura Unity is best known for its leading-edge expertise in logistics and distribution, serving as a preferred partner for such leading organizations as Drive Automotive, JTEKT and Toyota, the latter which it serves in numerous countries around the world.
“Our customers are doing well and new opportunities are presenting themselves, and we are excited to expand our operations to reflect that growth and market vitality,” said Chase. “We are appreciative for the confidence and commitment of those customers, and the leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, readySC, South Carolina Department of Commerce and others who are helping to make this expansion a reality.”
“South Carolina is heavily investing in our logistics network to support the growth of these kinds of businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “It is great to see KI Logistics expand their plans – even before their facility opens.”
The Greenville County facility is intended as “a showcase of KI Logistics’ expertise, efficiently assisting clients in optimizing their supply chain and operations while teaching and training a new generation of associates to embrace the lean tools and processes the company embraces organizationally,” said Chase. “We believe Upstate South Carolina is the ideal location to support world-class companies as customers, and to attract and retain a top quality workforce.”
“The distribution and logistics sector is among the fastest-growing industries today, and a key target for Greenville County and the Upstate,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Chairman of Greenville County Council. “The company is a globally respected business focused on innovation and we are pleased to see KI Logistics grow and thrive here.”
KI Logistics has already added several dozen employees, and is working with readySC in the recruiting and training of additional associates. Persons interested in being considered for positions including support technicians, customer service representatives, team technicians and forklift drivers should contact their local readySC office or visit them at www.readySC.org.
The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. Since its founding in 2001, GADC efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 17,500 new jobs and more than $3 billion in capital investment in Greenville County, SC. To learn more, visit www.goGADC.com or call (864) 235-2008.
