Logistics companies invest $771 million in S.C. in 4 years

Staff Report

Charleston Regional Business Journal

Twenty-three logistics companies have set-up distribution hubs or invested to expand their existing S.C. operations in the past four years. Combined, those companies planned to invest $771 million and create 4,200 jobs throughout the state since 2014.

In the Lowcountry, five logistics companies have put down roots or expanded operations since 2014, according to data from the S.C. Department of Commerce.

One of the region’s biggest distribution-related announcements in recent years came from Mount Pleasant-based Jear Logistics LLC. The privately held, third-party logistics and frieght brokerage firm invested $2.8 million to move into a new headquarters and create 150 jobs to support its growth.

Jear Logistics was ranked No. 417 nationally on the 2016 Inc. 5000 list — the top ranked company of the 23 Lowcountry companies on the list — for its 925% growth over a three-year span. Jear Logistics reported about $43 million in revenue in 2016.

More recently, Mid-States Packaging Inc. said it plans to invest $5.2 million to establish a North Charleston distribution hub to take advantage of the boom to plastic resin exports. The Massachusetts-based company plans to bring the plastic pellets in from Texas via rail to its Lowcountry site and then ship overseas through the Port of Charleston.

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Source: S.C. Department of Commerce