Area Development
KI Logistics, a division of Kimura, Inc. and a subsidiary of global logistics leader Kimura Unity, will expand its new North American headquarters and major logistics facility at The Matrix Business and Technology Park in Greenville County, South Carolina.

The firm plans to add an additional 64,000 square feet, before its state-of-the-art facility has even opened. The latest expansion will add $2.7 million to the original investment and is expected to create at least 20 new jobs. In October 2013, KI Logistics announced that it would invest $11.5 million and generate 149 new jobs over "the next several years as business warrants," company officials said at the time.

"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. 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,” said Harry Chase, Vice President of Logistics for KI Logistics.

According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, KI Logistics originally planned to build a 208,000-square-foot facility at The Matrix, with an option to expand the facility in the future. The addition will expand the building footprint by roughly 30 percent bringing the facility's full capacity to 272,000 square feet. The company expects to begin operations at the completed facility in July, with the additional space completed by September.

KI Logistics has already added several dozen employees, and is working with readySC in the recruiting and training of additional associates. The firm plans to hire support technicians, customer service representatives, team technicians and forklift drivers should contact their local readySC office.

"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.

"South Carolina is heavily investing in our logistics network to support the growth of these kinds of businesses It is great to see KI Logistics expand their plans - even before their facility opens," Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt added.

"The distribution and logistics sector is among the fastest-growing industries today, and a key target for Greenville County and the Upstate. The company is a globally respected business focused on innovation and we are pleased to see KI Logistics grow and thrive here,” Dr. Bob Taylor, Chairman of Greenville County Council and board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation said.