Columbia, S.C. – KION North America, a member of KION Group AG, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial trucks, will be expanding its Dorchester County operations. To accommodate increased customer demand, KION will be investing $5.7 million in its existing operations, creating more than 50 new jobs over the next five years. 
 
Included among its customers is Volvo Cars, which is in the process of establishing manufacturing operations in Berkeley County. KION will provide material handling equipment for the facility, supplying and servicing a fleet of forklifts, reach trucks and VNA (very narrow aisle) trucks. 
   
Headquartered at 2450 West 5th Street in Summerville, S.C, the company’s Dorchester County expansion will allow it to increase its production capacity from 3,000 units per year in 2015 to approximately 12,000 units per year by 2020. For more information on the company, visit the KION North America website. 

Quotes

“We are proud to offer the most innovative technology in the material handling industry, especially to one of the most innovative players in the automotive industry, who happens to be right in our own backyard.” –President and CEO of KION North America Vincent Halma

This agreement is monumental. Not only are two global premium manufacturers teaming up, but more importantly, two South Carolina businesses. This further validates the state’s position as a manufacturing giant.”–KION North America Vice President of Sales Mike Gore

 
“In South Carolina, we have all of the tools in place to remain a leader in the global automotive industry. Because of our exceptional workforce, positive business environment and unmatched infrastructure assets, companies like KION North America are finding success here and will continue to drive our economy forward.” –Gov. Henry McMaster 
 
“Today, we’re excited to celebrate another big win for South Carolina’s robust automotive sector. When companies, like KION North America, decide to invest more in our state and grow their footprint here, it shows that what we’re doing is working. I look forward to watching KION and our entire automotive sector continue to thrive here for many years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt 
 
“We are excited about KION expanding in our county. It is always a substantial validation of our county’s hard work, leadership and partnership when a great local company like KION, who has been a valuable local partner for years in our county, decides to expand their operations here in our backyard. I want to thank our economic development staff as well as the leadership at KION for their investment and commitment to our community. Together we will continue to make Dorchester County a great place to live, work and play.” –Dorchester County Council Chairman Jay Byars