Kimberly-Clark Advances Manufacturing Capabilities With $2 Billion, Five-Year Growth Plan

The company manufactures such brands as Huggies, Kleenex and Depend.

Kimberly-Clark Co., maker of CPG brands including Huggies, Kleenex and Depend, is investing in its manufacturing operations, spending $2 billion over the next five years to expand its North American facilities and implement new tech capabilities. 

This is its largest domestic expansion in more than 30 years, according to the company, which will focus on two projects: an expanded distribution center in South Carolina and a new manufacturing facility in Ohio.

Beech Island, South Carolina

The regional distribution center will get an automation boost, tapping into advanced robotics, an AI-powered logistics system and high-density automated storage to expedite the time-to-market process. The upgrades are expected to increase direct-ship capabilities and streamline the site’s distribution footprint. 

Tamera Fenske, Kimberly-Clark’s chief supply chain officer, said the investments will help progress the company’s end-to-end supply chain transformation and network optimization. 

“By bringing together manufacturing and distribution under one automated roof, we are building a more agile, responsive and resilient manufacturing network that will enhance service levels for our retail partners and contribute to our gross productivity plan,” she said.