Kimura subsidiary’s $11.5 million investment expected to add 149 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – November 1, 2013 – KI Logistics, a subsidiary of global logistics leader and innovator Kimura, Inc., today announced that it will establish its new North American headquarters and a major logistics facility at The Matrix Business and Technology Park in Greenville County. The $11.5 million investment is expected to generate as many as 149 new jobs over the next several years.
“Our mission is to provide leading edge logistics capabilities, superior customer service, operational excellence and rapid delivery to support manufacturing customers in industries including automotive, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and general industry arenas,” said Harry Chase, Vice President of Logistics for KI Logistics. “We are extremely pleased to establish our new operations here in Greenville County, and very appreciative for the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, readySC, South Carolina Department of Commerce and others who assisted in making this announcement a reality.”
KI Logistics will build its custom facility at The Matrix, encompassing approximately 206,000 square feet initially with the option to expand the facility in the future. The company will hold a private groundbreaking at the site on November 12 and expects to begin operations at the completed facility in July 2014.
Parent company Kimura Inc. already operates a 70,000 square foot facility in Laurens, SC which manufactures steel containers and racks, primarily for the automotive market, Chase noted. Yet the century-old organization 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 systems are based on a culture of continuous improvement to enhance results while lowering costs for customers,” said Chase. “We intend to make this facility a showcase of our 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 we embrace organizationally. We believe Upstate South Carolina is the ideal location to attract and retain the workforce, and the customers, that we want.”
“We are delighted that Kimura is expanding its presence in our state with the addition of KI Logistics’ new facility, creating more than 100 jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “Our state is equipped with all the right assets for logistics providers to succeed – deep-water port facilities, efficient highways and rail systems. We welcome KI Logistics to Greenville.”
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $500 million in capital investment and more than 4,000 jobs in the warehouse and distribution sector.
“The transportation, distribution and logistics sector is among the fastest-growing industry segments today,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Companies view South Carolina as the ideal place for getting their products to market, and we are pleased to see Kimura successfully grow in our state with the addition of KI Logistics.”
KI Logistics’ expansion into South Carolina allows the organization to “add capabilities and enhance responsiveness to regional customers,” said Chase. “We see tremendous opportunity to grow our business in the Southeast, and to create quality jobs here in response to growing demand for leading edge logistics applications and supply chain enhancements.”
“KI Logistics is a wonderful example of an international business that is using world-class technologies and lean processes to expand their brand in 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 known for its community involvement, and we welcome them to Greenville County.”
KI Logistics will shortly begin working with readySC in the recruiting and training of 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.