Kenco Marks 75 Years in Third-Party Logistics Industry Celebration
Kenco Group Celebrates 75 Years of Resilience and Growth
Kenco Group, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, celebrated its 75th anniversary on a Friday in May 2025, marking seven and a half decades of success since its founding in 1950. The celebration took place at Kenco's headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
From Humble Beginnings to a Logistics Powerhouse
Originally named Cherokee Warehouses, the company was founded by Jim Kennedy Jr. and Sam Smartt Sr. with a $25,000 investment to provide warehousing space after a downtown store fire. In 1979, the company was renamed Kenco, reflecting its evolution from a single warehouse operation to a broader logistics provider.
Over the years, Kenco has grown significantly. Today, the company boasts a team of over 7,500 employees operating at 140 locations across North America. In 2025, Kenco expanded into Canada by acquiring the 3PL arm of Drexel Industries, adding four warehouse locations to its network.
A Focus on Innovation and Customer Service
Kenco offers a range of logistics services, including distribution, eCommerce fulfillment, transportation management, material handling equipment services, and customized supply chain solutions. The company is known for its innovation and focus on "integrated logistics solutions" for major global brands.
In his remarks at the celebration, Denis Reilly, the CEO of Kenco Group, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting customers' business needs and redefining third-party logistics by offering innovative, connected solutions.
A Pillar of the Community
With 800 of its employees based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Kenco serves as an economic cornerstone for the city. The company's growth and success are a testament to its resilience and adaptability, as only approximately 3% of family-owned businesses make it to their 75th anniversary.
The celebration was not just a moment to reflect on the past, but also to look forward to the future. With a compound annual growth rate of 20% over the last five years, and 2025 projected to be its safest year operationally, Kenco Group continues to thrive and grow.
References: [1] Kenco Group. (2025). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.kencogroup.com/about-us [2] Kenco Group. (2025). Services. Retrieved from https://www.kencogroup.com/services [3] Kenco Group. (2025). History. Retrieved from https://www.kencogroup.com/history
In alignment with its 75 years of resilience and growth, Kenco Group continues to innovate in its finance and business strategies to bolster its supply chain capabilities, ensuring seamless operations for its expanding array of logistics services. As a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, Kenco's commitment to integrated logistics solutions enables them to cater to major global brands while maintaining a strong focus on customer service.
