Kenco Celebrates 75 Years of Supply Chain Innovation

August 07, 2025 at 09:00 AM EDT

Kenco, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, celebrated its 75th anniversary of being its customers’ most trusted and preferred supply chain partner. In a celebration at its headquarters on Aug. 1, the Chattanooga-based company marked the milestone with an event at their corporate office that included current and former team members, community leaders, and partners.

In 1950, Jim Kennedy, Jr. and Sam Smartt, Sr. formed the company that would become Kenco and today provides integrated logistics solutions to some of the world’s most recognizable brands. The 3PL currently employs more than 7,500 team members at 140 locations across North America.

In recent years, Kenco has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to customers by expanding its network and capabilities and investing in industry-leading automation. Among Kenco’s most recent successes:

Completed strategic acquisitions of The Shippers Group, bolstering the company’s multi-client capabilities, and Drexel, expanding Kenco’s Canadian footprint
Launching Kenco Automation Guidance, a consulting offering dedicated to helping operations managers upgrade their existing facilities with automated material handling equipment
Expanding capabilities for both life science logistics and contract packaging solutions, better serving customers’ needs from the beginning to the end of their supply chains

Kenco expanded the celebration beyond just their corporate office. This year, Kenco executives committed to a visit to each of its 140 locations to celebrate with employees at every shift. With these visits nearly complete, each was an irreplaceable opportunity to connect with those that make Kenco Kenco.

“Kenco’s success over the past 75 years is a direct result of the dedication and passion of our associates,” said Denis Reilly, President & CEO at Kenco. “Their commitment is why Kenco’s customers trust our ability to drive value and will continue to for the next 75 years and beyond.”

For more information about Kenco’s offerings and company history, visit https://kencogroup.com/about/.

About Kenco

Kenco supplies integrated logistics solutions that include distribution, eCommerce fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling equipment services, and customized supply chain solutions – all designed for Operational Excellence. Kenco continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, building lasting customer relationships for 75 years. Kenco’s focus is to support customers’ business needs and redefine third-party logistics by offering innovative, connected solutions.