Region lands headquarters for international trading company

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The Ladson area is now home to international trading company Mayoruna Limited. Mayoruna recently established its headquarters here, relocating its management staff from Dublin, Ireland. The company will retain its Dublin office and transfer management duties to Ladson. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Mayoruna is a six-year-old firm that serves as an international matchmaker between manufacturers and retailers. The company investigates and secures new markets in which to distribute European-produced products. Mayoruna also facilitates and manages all necessary logistics, warehousing, electronic ordering and invoicing, and just-in-time delivery. Clients in the U.S. include Eckerd, Piggly Wiggly, Harris Teeter, Wal-Mart, Bi-Lo, Family Dollar, Belk and a number of others. The company expects to hire 12 employees in its first year of operation in the Ladson Station Industrial Park.

“Like most Europeans, we started our search for an American base in New York City,” said company co-founder, David Hollywood. “But we soon learned that there were other, better places for us in the U.S.” Hollywood notes that among competitive sites in Maryland, Chicago, San Diego and Delaware, Charleston was a standout for numerous reasons.

“The most amazing thing was the attention the Alliance paid to our project,” said Hollywood, who has a background in law and accounting. “They introduced us to a number of companies that would help us be successful here – including freight forwarders, warehousing operations, and import assistance services.”

Ruth Fitzgerald, co-founder, said that once the company discovered the Charleston region and its desire to work with them, the other components added up to a perfect match. “The location and access to this highly-productive port made us very comfortable. We also felt this area had a vibrant economy and an unbelievable lifestyle.”

William A. Moody, Alliance chairman, welcomed the company, noting Mayoruna’s reliance on advanced information technology systems. “The movement of goods from Point A to Point B is a growing industry, and requires some of the best minds in business today. Systems of delivery are ever-changing, and we believe that Mayoruna will find the people of this region to be fully committed to the company’s success.”

“Mayoruna joins a fine, growing group of import and distribution firms in North Charleston,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “We once again find that our enviable location, ready and willing workers and can-do spirit have helped land a global firm with tremendous future prospects.”

Charleston County Council Chairman Barrett A. Lawrimore noted that the Charleston area has become a major player in the U.S. distribution network, thanks in large part to the Port of Charleston and to the region’s intricate highway system. “As they say, location, location, location,” said Lawrimore. “Charleston County is blessed with being at the international crossroads, where air, ocean, rail and highway converge and remove all market limitations. Hats off to the good people at Mayoruna – and here’s to years of future success. As you grow, Charleston County will be here to help you.”

“South Carolina’s stable business environment and wonderful quality of life continues to attract innovative companies, like Mayoruna,” said Secretary of Commerce Charles S. Way, Jr. “With fragile and time-sensitive items, good access through the port is vital to their success. We look forward to assisting Mayoruna reach their next business goals in the Lowcountry.”

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.