Japan-based Shimano American Corporation, a maker of fishing tackle and bicycle components, plans to expand its distribution center in North Charleston, South Carolina. The firm said its expansion will double the company's original investment and increase employment at the facility by 50 percent.

The new construction adds nearly 99,000-square-feet to the current 102,000-square-foot facility at 9550 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, built by Shimano in 2006. The addition will be ready in August 2013.

Along with the added capacity, the expanded facility "will allow Shimano to improve our material handling automation processes, and will also provide us with nearly 3,000-square-feet of needed office space," said Shimano's senior manager of operations Allen Johnston.

He added that along with Shimano bicycle components and fishing tackle, the company distributes its G.Loomis fishing rods and PowerPro fishing line from the North Charleston facility. When the improvements are complete, Shimano will add the distribution of its Pearl Izumi technical cycling and running products, and also Jackall brand fishing lures, to the facility.

"With this investment, it's much more than just doubling the size at our South Carolina facility- we'll also be prepared for both current and future distribution needs for all our brands," said Dave Pfeiffer, president of Shimano American Corp. "Taking our original investment in 2003 in a 25,000-square-foot distribution center in North Charleston's Benchmark Industrial Park to another level again, this a needed positive step in order to increase services to our business partners up and down the East Coast, and throughout the Midwest and Southern states. We look forward to our South Carolina facility playing a larger role in Shimano's operations in the U.S., and we appreciate the cooperation we've received from local, regional and state agencies in our expansion plans."

"It's always exciting to see one of our existing businesses increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Shimano's decision to expand its North Charleston facility with an additional investment and the creation of new jobs, said Gov. Nikki Haley.

"When companies need to get products to customers on the East Coast or throughout the Southeast, South Carolina offers the best options for reaching those markets. Shimano's decision to expand its Charleston County facility provides another example of that, and we look forward to the company's continued growth here," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

"In 2003, North Charleston welcomed Shimano to our great city, and since that time we have been fortunate to see the company's growth within our community. Today, we congratulate Shimano on its second expansion at Palmetto Commerce Park," said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. "It is our commitment to maintain a local environment that is friendly to commerce and accommodating to the needs of Shimano and all of our North Charleston businesses." Information on a package of incentives that might be offered to the firm was not immediately available.