CJ Logistics and Korea Ocean Business Corporation to Build $600 Million US Logistics Center

CJ Logistics announced on the 28th that it is jointly promoting the ‘North America Project’ with the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the Corporation) to strengthen the national logistics supply chain by investing up to approximately 600 billion KRW in the United States to build a large-scale advanced logistics center.

CJ Logistics, in collaboration with the Korea Ocean Business Corporation, is planning to invest up to approximately 600 billion KRW in the United States to strengthen the national logistics supply chain by establishing large-scale advanced logistics centers in three locations, including Chicago and New York, as part of the 'North America Project.' On the 19th, at the agreement ceremony held at the headquarters of CJ Logistics USA in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA, Kang Shin-ho, CEO of CJ Logistics, Kim Yang-su, President of the Korea Ocean Business Corporation, and executives from both companies received a briefing related to the North America Project. Photo by CJ Logistics

The two companies plan to build large-scale logistics centers on three sites totaling 360,000㎡ owned by CJ Logistics’ U.S. subsidiary in logistics and distribution hubs such as Chicago and New York. The total site area is equivalent to 50 international standard soccer fields. CJ Logistics’ U.S. subsidiary will utilize its owned sites, and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation will support financing for the construction of the logistics centers.

CJ Logistics will be responsible for the future operation of the logistics centers. The centers will primarily handle export-import cargo of Korean companies and e-commerce products, serving as a foothold to support the entry of K-products into the North American market. The two companies plan to sign an investment commitment letter within the third quarter of this year. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year, aiming for phased completion from the first half of 2026 through 2027.

In this regard, Kang Shin-ho, CEO of CJ Logistics, and Kim Yang-su, President of the Korea Ocean Business Corporation, signed a North America Project agreement for overseas infrastructure development on the 19th at CJ Logistics’ U.S. subsidiary located in Des Plaines, Illinois. After the signing ceremony, the representatives and executives of both companies visited the planned center sites to inspect the locations.

Starting with this North America Project, the two companies have agreed to actively cooperate in investing in global logistics infrastructure and pursuing other projects, including in the United States, to strengthen South Korea’s global logistics competitiveness.

CJ Logistics’ sites are located in the three major U.S. cities and logistics hubs. Elwood, Illinois, is a logistics hub adjacent to terminals of the largest U.S. freight railroad companies, BNSF and Union Pacific. Combined road and rail transport enables delivery across the U.S. within 1 to 2 days. Des Plaines, Illinois, is near O’Hare Airport, the largest cargo airport in the U.S., and Chicago, a major consumer market among the three largest cities. Secaucus, New Jersey, is close to Newark Port, JFK Airport, and New York, the world’s largest consumer market.

CJ Logistics plans to develop an optimal logistics operation model tailored to local demand and logistics strengths. By linking the new logistics centers with the 57 existing logistics centers operating across the U.S., it aims to create synergy and leverage this as a springboard for innovative growth in its U.S. business.

Additionally, advanced technologies such as big data and AI based on TES technology, which has been verified for application in South Korea, will be introduced to the new logistics centers. Efficiency will be maximized through autonomous mobile robots (AMR), automated forklifts (AFL), and smart packaging systems, with the goal of extending the K-wave beyond culture into industry.

Kang Shin-ho, CEO of CJ Logistics, stated, “We will support the entry of our export companies and e-commerce sellers into the U.S. market and strive to expand the scope of the K-wave from culture to industry through cutting-edge logistics infrastructure and operational capabilities.”

Kim Yang-su, President of the Korea Ocean Business Corporation, said, “The logistics hubs to be built in the U.S. will enhance the competitiveness of our global supply chain and contribute to creating high-value supply chain services through maritime logistics linkage. We will continue to explore ways to create global logistics competitiveness by utilizing the resources, capabilities, and know-how of both sides.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.