Charleston Regional Development Alliance

Berkeley, Charleston & Dorchester Counties

Printed from www.crda.org

Shimano opens distribution center in the Charleston region

Oct. 1, 2003
For Immediate Release
OCTOBER 15, 2003 — Following a year-long study of its internal shipping operations and locations that would best serve its needs, Shimano will soon open a new distribution center in Ladson, S.C., a suburb of Charleston, announces Kozo Shimano, president of Shimano American Corporation. Shimano is a worldwide leader in the bicycle component and fishing tackle markets, with U.S. operations based in Irvine, Calif.

“From our study and analysis of how best to serve our customers, the Charleston area provides us with the ideal location,” said Dave Pfeiffer, executive vice president of Shimano American. “The Charleston facility will allow us to have faster response time in supporting our customers and programs.”

The Ladson location was selected following a study of 13 areas, notes Allen Johnston, Shimano’s director of operations. Johnston said the Charleston area, with its access to major highways, rail and port facilities, provides the logistics needed for the distribution center and for future plans, if needed.

The facility will start small and grow with experience. The facility will employ local Charleston residents.

Bill Youngblood, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, which helped to facilitate today’s announcement, welcomed the news of Shimano’s expansion into the region. “Shimano is a highly regarded international business, and we’re very pleased the company has chosen to locate this operation here. As proven by this announcement, access to world markets through the Port of Charleston continues to be a true competitive advantage for our region.”

“A hearty congratulations goes out to Shimano on this welcome news,” said Timothy E. Scott, chairman of Charleston County Council. “Combine our ideal global logistics with unparalleled saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities, and you have an irrepressible combination. Seldom are a community and a company such a perfect match. We wish them much success!”

In facilitating competitive relocations or expansions for the region, the Alliance works with numerous organizations. An especially noteworthy partnership exists with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“The Charleston Regional Development Alliance has scored a victory for the Charleston area in bringing Shimano to Ladson,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “With so many logistical assets, the area is a top competitor for distribution projects. Commerce is happy that Shimano has chosen to take advantage of these assets and congratulates the Alliance on a job well done!”

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 Irvine, Calif. sales, service and warehouse operations, it also has manufacturing and sales facilities in Woodland, Wash., Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, England, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

# # #

related information