Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation announces the establishment of operations in Charleston

At the South Carolina State Ports Authority today, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the City of Charleston, Charleston County and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) announced that Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation will acquire International Forwarders Inc., a third party logistics service provider in Charleston. The company will retain the current workforce and plans to add a significant number of new jobs.

“Our new Charleston facility will help us expand our presence in the Southeast, add additional services and allow us to meet our growing demand. As we continue to increase our global customer base, the establishment of new operations in South Carolina offers a strategic location for wider market penetration. We are excited to be expanding our business with the addition of a facility in South Carolina and thank the team of local and state officials for their assistance in making this possible,” said Bob Shellman, president and chief executive officer of Odyssey Logistics & Technology.

Odyssey Logistics & Technology will utilize the current International Forwarders Inc. facility for its operations. The 40 employees working for International Forwarders will become part of the Odyssey team immediately and the addition of new positions is expected over the next several years.

“South Carolina’s exceptional market access continues to be a major draw for businesses specializing in the timely delivery of goods to both domestic and international markets. The Palmetto State’s central location along the East Coast and world-class Port of Charleston provide competitive advantages that benefit a variety of firms that choose to locate here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “Today’s announcement not only means the retention of an existing workforce, but will also mean more job opportunities for residents in an industry that continues to be in-demand. We welcome Odyssey Logistics & Technology to our state’s business community and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them in the years ahead.”

Odyssey Logistics & Technology is a global logistics and transportation service provider for various global industries. The new facility in Charleston will focus on customhouse brokering and international freight forwarding.

“Odyssey will be a most welcome addition to the Charleston business community as they bring critical investment and jobs to our City. Charleston has a vibrant and growing logistics sector, a fact underscored both by International Forwarders Inc.’s successful history here and Odyssey’s plans to expand its local footprint in the coming years. We are confident that our competitive business environment, world-class infrastructure, excellent quality of life and unparalleled access to transportation networks will greatly benefit this company and its employees. The City of Charleston looks forward to working with Odyssey in its new venture here,” said Mayor Joe Riley.

“Our heartiest congratulations go out today to Odyssey Logistics on this momentous occasion,” said Teddie E. Pryor, Chairman of Charleston County Council. “Charleston has three centuries of history as a dominant seaport and international trade center. Our intermodal logistics advantages offer a formidable competitive environment where companies can meet and vastly exceed their customers’ expectations. Today Odyssey Logistics begins a new era in its corporate life, even as it becomes a part of the Charleston legacy. The company will have our steadfast support and well wishes for a successful and profitable future.”

“Today’s announcement from Odyssey Logistics reaffirms the key role the Port of Charleston’s plays in our region’s economic development efforts,” said CRDA Chairman Mitchell Bohannon. “We are pleased to see Odyssey Logistics build on the foundation that International Forwarders has laid for years, and excited the company has plans for future growth.”

South Carolina boasts more than 470 warehousing and distribution centers across the state, and these centers employ more than 34,000 individuals in the state.

“Charleston has a diverse and capable maritime community, made up of more than 400 private companies. International Forwarders has been an important part of this, and we are exceptionally pleased to help welcome the added strength of Odyssey to the Port City,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO, South Carolina State Ports Authority.

Odyssey’s facility in Charleston will put the company’s operations in close proximity to the Port of Charleston, the deepest port in the Southeast and one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. The Charleston Customs district ranks as the nation’s eighth largest in dollar value of shipments, with more than $62 billion in cargo annually.

Individuals interested in future employment opportunities are encouraged to check the company’s Web site odysseylogistics.com.

About OL&T
Odyssey Logistics & Technology (OL&T) and its subsidiaries deliver a comprehensive portfolio of managed logistics and third-party services to the global chemical and process manufacturing industries. With more than 30 percent average annual revenue growth for the last five years, OL&T moves products with more than $42 billion in value between 185,000 origins and destinations and 220 ports worldwide, servicing midsize to large global chemical and process industry clients. For more information about the company, please visit www.odysseylogistics.com.

About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Commerce received the top prize for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant for the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements, and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.