Kontane Logistics chooses Charleston region for new distribution facility

December 21, 2005 – Kontane Logistics, a third party logistics provider, opened a warehouse and distribution center in the Charleston region. The company is located in a 137,500 square foot facility in Berkeley County’s Charleston Regional Business Center. Twenty new jobs will be created with an investment of approximately $500,000. This announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Headquartered in Huntersville, NC, Kontane Logistics offers services including warehousing and distribution, export packaging, line sequencing, sub assembly, freight consolidation and information system solutions. The company cited the region’s infrastructure as critical in its relocation decision.

“This location offers excellent access to key highway systems, a regional airport, ports of import/export, and allows for shipments utilizing all transportation modes,” stated President Mark Banish. “We feel confident that these very strengths will enable Kontane to pass along significant cost savings and improved delivery times to its customers.”

Bill McCall, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, welcomed the news. “I feel confident that Kontane Logistics will find an excellent environment for future growth in the Charleston region. We are pleased to have this company join our business community.”

“Congratulation to Kontane Logistics,” said Jim Rozier, Berkeley County Supervisor and Chairman of Berkeley County Council. “We believe the company will be well pleased with their decision. Our county’s productive workforce and strong business climate is a recipe for success.”

“We are pleased to welcome Kontane Logistics to our wonderful community,” added City of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley. “We are confident that they will find both a quality of life which makes Charleston a great place to live and a supportive and growing business structure for their continued success.”

In facilitating announcements such as today’s, the Alliance works with numerous public and private allies. Its relationship with the South Carolina Department of Commerce has been of particular importance through the years.

“With the Port of Charleston, our road and rail systems, and our strategic location, South Carolina is an unbeatable choice for distribution centers like this one,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “We look forward to working closely with Kontane, our newest corporate citizen, to keep this company competitive and growing in South Carolina.”

About Kontane Incorporated
Kontane Incorporated was founded in Hickory, North Carolina in 1976 by current owner and CEO Ed Byrd. Kontane’s mission is to develop and produce the highest quality wood packaging products for its customers with courteous service and prompt delivery. To learn more, go to www.kontane.com.

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to create improved opportunities for all people in the Charleston region by competing successfully in the global economy. 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.

Alliance Media Contact:
Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
[email protected]

Company Contact:
Kevin O’Neill
843-352-0011
[email protected]