MegaCorp Logistics plans to hire 300 people in the area after recently being approved for economic development incentives from New Hanover County and the city of Wilmington, officials announced Tuesday.

The third-party logistics firm headquartered in Wilmington plans to add the jobs over the next five years, spurring an $18.9-million payroll impact, according to Wilmington Business Development, which made the announcement.  

Previously code-named "Project Transit" in public documents, MegaCorp's incentive package hinges on the creation of meeting those job targets in the coming years. The city of Wilmington agreed to pay the company up to $200,000, and New Hanover County committed up to $300,000 in the performance-based package of $500,000. No state-level incentives are expected in the package, WBD officials said.

MegaCorp is one of four companies recently approved for the local economic incentive payments. The city approved its incentive commitments last week following the county's approval last month. The three remaining companies have yet to be announced. 

CEO Ryan Legg founded MegaCorp in 2009 alongside his wife, Denise. Since then, the company has expanded in Wilmington and out-of-state markets, providing trucking companies and producers with transportation logistics services. Jacksonville, Florida, and Cincinnati, Ohio – both markets where MegaCorp already has a presence – competed for the project, according to WBD.

“We have a presence and opportunity to expand in multiple markets, but our commitment to Wilmington is steadfast,” Legg said in the WBD release. “Our partnership with Wilmington Business Development specifically helped to reaffirm the decision and navigate the process at the local level. We are excited to continue our growth trajectory here at home.”

In January, Legg told the Greater Wilmington Business Journal he planned to hire 150 new employees in Wilmington in 2022. 

Last year, the company coordinated 200,000 truckloads and brought in $700 million in revenue, according to company officials. Companywide, MegaCorp employs 567, with 375 in Wilmington. 

“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,” WBD CEO Scott Satterfield said in the release. 

The new roles will include sales professionals, operations personnel, support staff and more, according to WBD. The average compensation would be $62,917, officials said.

“As the nation struggles with supply-chain challenges, MegaCorp – a homegrown New Hanover County business – is responding with innovative logistics solutions that enhance connections among products and customers,” New Hanover County Commissioners Chair Julia Olson-Boseman said in the release.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said the expansion validates the city's long-term efforts to create high-quality jobs. “Wilmington has the assets, infrastructure, and workforce that growing companies like MegaCorp need," Saffo said in the release.

"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."

Read more about Legg and MegaCorp's latest expansion plans and the incentive process in the latest issue of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.