Kion North America investing $40 million in Summerville

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Kion North America, a member of the Kion Group, will expand operations in Dorchester County with a $40 million investment the company says will create approximately 450 new jobs.

Kion North America is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial trucks. The company’s brands, Linde Material Handling and Baoli, serve the requirements of the North American market with a comprehensive and complementary product portfolio that the company says includes technologies, low energy consumption and low operating costs.

Headquartered at 2450 W. 5th St. in Summerville, Kion North America is reshoring the manufacturing of core components including forklift masts. The company is also adding assembly lines that will involve the installation of crane systems, automated weld systems, new paint facilities and more, according to a news release.

“We are proud to be investing in South Carolina, particularly in Dorchester County,” Kion North America President and CEO Jonathan Dawley said in the release. “Both the state and county have been excellent partners in this process. The Kion Group is highly committed to expanding in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and believes customers deserve products customized for these markets. We look forward to reaching more customers with our full-scale traditional lift truck portfolio and custom solutions such as automation, telematics and fleet management.”

The expansion is expected to be complete in 2024.

“Kion North America has been a valued part of Dorchester County, and we are thankful for their continued presence and new investment in our community,” Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill Hearn said in the release. “Congratulations Kion North America on your new expansion, and we wish you continued success.”

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also approved a $500,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.