KION North America has announced plans to expand operations in Dorchester County. The company’s estimated USD40 million investment will create approximately 450 new jobs.

The expansion is part of KION North America’s move to reshore 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.

The Dorchester expansion is expected to be complete in 2024 and is being supported by a USD500,000 grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development.

“We are proud to be investing in South Carolina, particularly in Dorchester County,” says KION North America president and chief executive officer Jonathan Dawley.

“Both the state and county have been excellent partners in this process. 

“The KION Group is highly committed to expanding in the US, Canada and Mexico and believes customers deserve products customised 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.”