You’ve probably seen the signs. Or maybe you've just noticed the massive, sleek buildings popping up along Smith’s Mill Road. If you’re driving through the New Albany International Business Park, it’s hard to miss the footprint of KDC. But here is the thing: most people use the name "KDC" and don't realize they might be talking about two entirely different giants.
It’s confusing. Honestly, even locals get them swapped. On one hand, you have KDC/ONE (Knowlton Development Corporation), a global powerhouse in beauty and personal care manufacturing. On the other, you have KDC Real Estate Development, the folks who build the "custom corporate homes" for the world's biggest tech and office brands. In New Albany, both are massive players.
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Basically, one makes the shampoo and lipstick sitting in your bathroom right now. The other likely built the data center or office complex your neighbor works in.
The Manufacturing Giant: KDC/ONE in the Beauty Park
Let’s talk about the manufacturing side first because that’s the one with the deep roots in New Albany’s famous "Beauty Park." KDC/ONE isn't just a tenant; they are a cornerstone of the specialized supply chain that Les Wexner and the New Albany Company envisioned years ago.
They don't just "make stuff." They’re a "turn-key" solution provider. That means if a major brand—think the ones you see at Sephora or Bath & Body Works—wants a new fragrance or a specific skin cream, KDC/ONE handles the ideation, the chemistry, the packaging, and the shipping. They have a massive 200,000-square-foot facility right here that focuses on soaps, sanitizers, and fragrances.
It's high-stakes work. Precision matters. In 2025, they even finalized a major joint venture with the Clarion Group to expand their reach even further. They’ve got over 15,000 employees globally, and their New Albany site is a critical hub for their North American operations.
But it hasn't always been easy. The company made headlines for a tragic shooting incident at their warehouse facility on Smith’s Mill Road back in early 2025. It was a heavy moment for the community. Since then, the focus has shifted back to their role as a massive employer and a driver of the local economy. They own more than 25 acres in that industrial corridor. That's a huge physical presence.
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The Developer: KDC’s Role in Shaping the Silicon Heartland
Now, flip the coin. When people talk about KDC New Albany Ohio in the context of real estate and "The Silicon Heartland," they’re often referring to the developer.
KDC (the real estate firm) specializes in build-to-suit projects. They don't just throw up "for lease" signs on empty boxes. They work with companies like Toyota, State Farm, and FedEx to build environments that actually help companies keep their talent. In a place like New Albany, where Intel is currently building a $20 billion chip plant just down the road, this kind of high-end development is the secret sauce.
New Albany isn't just a suburb anymore. It’s a tech fortress.
The developer side of the KDC name has been instrumental in creating the "corporate campus" feel that New Albany is famous for. Think about the infrastructure. We are talking about:
- Dual-feed electric capacity (so the power never goes out).
- Advanced fiber optics buried under the trails.
- Leisure trails that connect offices to the village center.
It’s a specific vibe. It’s "Preppy Tech." You have these billion-dollar data centers from Google, Meta, and Amazon, and then you have KDC-style office developments that look like they belong in a New England town, despite being filled with high-end servers and engineers.
Why This Specific Location Matters in 2026
By now, in early 2026, the "Intel Effect" is no longer a theory. It’s a daily reality. The roads are wider (State Route 161 is finally six lanes), and the demand for specialized manufacturing space—the kind KDC/ONE operates—and high-end office space—the kind KDC develops—is through the roof.
The New Albany International Business Park has grown to over 9,000 acres. That is staggering. For context, that’s larger than many actual cities. KDC/ONE’s presence in the "Beauty Park" section of this development is a perfect example of "clustering." They aren't there by accident. They’re there because their suppliers, like Axium Packaging and CCL Industries, are literally minutes away.
This proximity reduces "carbon footprints"—a big buzzword in KDC/ONE’s 2025 ESG report—and it makes the supply chain incredibly resilient. If a truck breaks down, you can practically walk the parts to the next building. Sorta.
The Jobs and the Money
Let’s be real: most people care about the jobs.
KDC/ONE is a major employer in the region, often hiring for roles ranging from packaging operators at $16 an hour to Continuous Improvement Managers pulling in well over $100k. They are constantly looking for compounders (the people who actually mix the "magic" in the vats) and quality inspectors.
On the development side, KDC's projects fuel the construction industry. With the new "Hamlet at Sugar Run" project nearby and constant expansions in the Tech Park, the sheer amount of capital moving through this area is wild. Google alone has pumped over $7.2 billion into its Ohio data centers since 2019.
What’s Next for KDC in New Albany?
Looking ahead through 2026 and toward 2028, the trajectory is clear. KDC/ONE is doubling down on "sustainable beauty." They are partnering with companies like Evolved By Nature to use silk-based molecules instead of harsh chemicals. This isn't just hippie stuff; it’s where the money is going.
Meanwhile, the real estate landscape is shifting toward mixed-use. People don't want to just drive to a cubicle and drive home. They want the "Hamlet" model—offices mixed with townhomes, retail, and parks like the upcoming Resch Commons.
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If you’re looking to get involved, whether as a worker or a business partner, here is the move:
1. Know which KDC you need. If you’re in manufacturing or beauty, it’s KDC/ONE. If you’re in corporate real estate or site selection, it’s KDC Development.
2. Watch the Smith's Mill corridor. This remains the heart of the industrial action.
3. Leverage the "Cluster." New Albany's strength is that everyone is connected. If you’re a supplier, get as close to the Innovation Campus Way as possible.
4. Stay updated on the 161 construction. ODOT is still finishing noise walls and intersection realignments through late 2026, which impacts logistics and commute times.
The "New Albany way" is about planned, deliberate growth. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly effective. Whether it's the product in your hand or the building it was made in, KDC is likely the reason it exists.