WILMINGTON — One of the four anonymous businesses recently awarded incentives by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County has announced its expansion in the city. Freight brokerage firm MegaCorp Logistics — founded in Wilmington in 2009 — will grow its operations over the next five years and create hundreds of more jobs.
Wilmington Business Development (WBD) — which helps strengthen and facilitate business in the Port City — announced Tuesday that MegaCorp will increase its workforce by 300 jobs. Currently, of the 567 people it employs, 375 live in southeastern North Carolina.
Positions will open in operations, sales, and support staff roles, with salaries averaging $62,917 annually. It will produce an $18.9-million payroll impact across the region.
“New Hanover County and our economic development partners have been intentional in creating an environment where businesses can grow and thrive, and the expansion of MegaCorp is a reflection of that commitment,” Julia Olson-Boseman, chair of the New Hanover County commissioners, said in a release.
When the incentive was presented to council and commissioners, it was code-named “Project Transit.” The city approved paying $40,000 annually, while the county will pay $60,000 a year over five years — for a total of $500,000.
MegaCorp does not get the funds upfront. It first must follow through with its commitment of creating jobs and prove to the state employment commission it has established the positions.
The company also operates in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cincinnati, Ohio, each of which competed for the expansion, according to WBD’s release.
“We have a presence and opportunity to expand in multiple markets, but our commitment to Wilmington is steadfast,” Ryan Legg, MegaCorp’s CEO, said in a release. “We are excited to continue our growth trajectory here at home.”
In 2021, MegaCorp hired 130 employees to join its Wilmington team, the Wilmington Business Journal reported in January. The company also brought in $700 million last year, 14 times more than a decade ago, at $50 million.
MegaCorp provides intermodal logistics between suppliers and carriers, which ship goods for companies — from small, private firms to Fortune 500 corporations — in produce, tech, textiles, and more. It has ranked among the top 40 brokerage firms nationwide.
In 2021, it shipped 200,000 truckloads, according to WBD’s release. It has experienced a 7.7% increase in freight volume since January and February 2021 and a 56.6% increase since February 2020, according to MegaCorp’s website: “60% more shipments … are on the road now than there were pre-pandemic.”
“Supply-chain issues continue to complicate global commerce, and the answer rests in great businesses like MegaCorp that apply creative solutions, innovative partnerships and excellent management principles in addressing customer needs,” said Scott Satterfield, CEO of WBD.
MegaCorp’s headquarters are located on Ashes Drive off Sir Tyler, near Landfall.
“Wilmington has the assets, infrastructure, and workforce that growing companies like MegaCorp need,” Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said. “In supporting the expansion of an established local business, these new jobs create opportunities for existing residents to share in the benefits of our growing economy.”
Have tips or comments? Email info@portcitydaily.com
