KI Logistics recently announced plans for a new $11.5 million, 206,000-square-foot North American headquarters at The Matrix Business and Technology Park at U.S. Highway 25 (Augusta Road) and Interstate 185 in southern Greenville County.
The logistics company is a subsidiary of Kimura Inc., a manufacturer of steel containers and racks for the automotive market, which already operates a 70,000-square-foot facility in Laurens.
KI Logistics is expected to generate as many as 149 new jobs over the next few years and will provide logistics support to its manufacturing customers such as Drive Automotive, JTEKT and Toyota.
“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.
“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.”
Chase said that KI’s systems “are based on a culture of continuous improvement to enhance results while lowering costs for customers” and that the company intends “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.”
Chase added that he “believes Upstate South Carolina is the ideal location to attract and retain the workforce, and the customers, that we want.”
The company will hold a private groundbreaking at the site on Nov. 12 and expects to begin operations at the completed facility in July 2014.
