Company to double original investment, increase employment by 50 percent
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Shimano American Corporation, a maker of fishing tackle and bicycle components, today announced the expansion of its distribution center in Charleston County. The expansion will double the company’s original investment and increase employment at the facility by 50 percent. The company broke ground on the new construction today.
“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.”
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.
“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. We work hard every day to strengthen our business-friendly climate so we will continue to see South Carolina companies expand and create more jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
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 notes 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.
“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.
“Our congratulations go out today to the entire Shimano team on the momentous occasion of their expansion,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “An expansion is the ultimate corporate testimonial that a community can receive, and we are happy to see that the Port of Charleston, the Charleston area workforce, and our business climate have proven to be fertile soil for the company’s success. We at Charleston County have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship, and we will remain steadfast partners to Shimano in the years to come.”
“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.”
Shimano American Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Shimano, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of fishing tackle and bicycle components. Along with its Irvine, Calif. sales, service and distribution operations and its Pearl Izumi USA headquarters in Louisville, Colo., Shimano manufactures its PowerPro braided fishing line in Grand Junction, Colo., and its G.Loomis fishing rods in Woodland, Wash. Beginning in January 2013, it will also handle the sales, marketing and distribution of Jackall Lures in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.shimano.com.