The same week that vaccines began rolling out across the country, one of Georgia’s own companies involved in health care logistics and supply chain solutions, Path-Tec, announced that it is expanding its operations in Columbus. One of the things Path-Tec does is provide test collection kits, supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a side of business that came in quite handy this year, both for the business and for the millions of those across the country relying on these products.
“Path-Tec’s continual growth in Georgia is a testament to our top-notch logistics network, pro-business environment, and the community of innovation we have fostered in the state,” said Governor Kemp. “Our world-class economic development team remains laser-focused on creating jobs for hardworking Georgians and helping our Georgia companies seamlessly ramp up to meet increased demand. I look forward to seeing the opportunities this expansion creates in Columbus and the surrounding region.”
Path-Tec is investing more than $5 million in the expansion and creating 350 jobs in the area with the expansion, bringing the total employees in Columbus to 565. The new investment will include the opening of a 106,000-square-foot facility that will house some inventory, medical kit and distribution operations. The new positions will be for a variety of skill levels, from production to inventory management to customer service.
“Path-Tec has experienced a significant amount of growth since the company’s 2005 start-up here in Columbus, Georgia,” said Kevin Boykin, founder and CEO of Path-Tec. “The partnership with the local economic development team has played a significant role in helping us facilitate the growth. This support and the work of our dedicated employees has enabled us to develop a market-leading health care supply chain solution right here in Columbus. We look forward to continuing our expansion in the community and adding additional employment opportunities.”
Before Covid-19 came along, Path-Tec was already on the…path to success. Kevin Boykin, the CEO of Path-Tec, was named Georgia Small Business Person of the Year in 2017 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Boykin attended Columbus State University and was a medical laboratory specialist in the Air Force prior to founding Path-Tec.
“One of our main priorities is to assist our local companies so that they can continue to achieve success,” said Russ Carreker, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. “It is extremely gratifying to be able to support Kevin and his team. Path-Tec is a tremendous entrepreneurial success story, and we are very proud of what they have accomplished and the jobs that they have created here in Columbus.”
By this point, Path-Tec’s success could have taken them anywhere but Boykin and the leadership have chosen to remain in Columbus, upgrading to a new facility in February of 2016.
“During a year where we learned the importance of health care logistics and supply chain solutions – it is great to see a Georgia business in this field continuing to grow in their home state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Path-Tec’s decision to reinvest in our state and in our people proves that both the State of Georgia and our partners in Columbus are focused on fostering relationships and supporting the long-term success of our companies.”
