Kenco Logistic Services is forming a joint venture with Schnellecke of America to support automotive production in the Southeastern United States.

Through Kenco’s wholly owned subsidiary Kal-Serv, the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based third party logistics provider and the German specialist in value-added logistics for the automobile industry have formed Team 3 Logistics.

Team 3 will leverage Kenco’s extensive U.S. infrastructure, which includes over 100 buildings totaling 25 million square feet to support a growing number of automotive manufacturing plants in the Southeast, the company said.

Schnellecke, which provides supply chain management for automotive manufacturers in Europe, China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, was seeking a partner with a strong presence in the region.

 “Once we got to know Kenco, they were the logical choice for the creation of Team 3,” said Nikolaus Kϋlps, CEO of Schnellecke Group. “Together we will offer logistics and added-value services to the automotive industry.”

 “We enjoy a strong cultural alignment with Schnellecke, and we are fortunate to have been selected as the U.S. partner in Team 3,” said Andy Smith, KLS president and COO.