Author Archives: Abby White

Merck Animal Health Expands Operations with $895 Million Investment in De Soto, Kansas

Expansion further establishes KC region as global leader in animal health

DE SOTO, Kan. – May 8, 2025 – Merck Animal Health, a leading biopharmaceutical company, today announced plans to invest $895 million in the expansion of its biologics facility in De Soto, Kansas.

One of the most significant economic development projects in Kansas history and the largest to date for Merck Animal Health, the 200,000-square-foot expansion includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.

The project reinforces the Kansas City region’s position as the center of the global animal health industry, building on its long-standing network strength and strategic advantages in innovation.

“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,” said Richard DeLuca, president of Merck Animal Health. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.”

Site preparation and facility design will begin immediately, with 2,500 construction jobs expected to support site development. The expansion will create more than 200 new full-time roles when manufacturing operations begin in 2030.

“This extraordinary investment by Merck Animal Health underscores my administration’s commitment to securing a strong economic future for our state and ensuring prosperity for generations to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects, such as those with Merck, Fiserv and Panasonic — just to name a few recent successes — are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing and the direction we have taken.”

The new manufacturing facility will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large-molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a designated Center of Excellence, it will play a key role in Merck Animal Health’s global manufacturing network while building on its decades-long legacy in the region.

“Merck has been a valued part of the De Soto community for over 20 years, and this $895 million expansion is a remarkable vote of confidence in our city’s future. We’re proud that Merck has chosen to grow right here at home — bringing 200 new jobs to our community and further strengthening a facility that has already played such an important role in our local economy,” said De Soto Mayor Rick Walker. “This is a true success story: we’ve not only retained a major employer, but we’ve helped create the conditions for their continued growth. It’s exactly the kind of outcome we work toward—keeping and expanding the businesses that make De Soto a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Merck’s De Soto campus is strategically located within the KC Animal Health Corridor — the world’s largest concentration of animal health companies, home to more than 300 businesses representing 56% of global animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales.

“This announcement reaffirms what we’ve long known — the Animal Health Corridor is where global leaders come to grow,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “Merck Animal Health’s expansion in De Soto is more than a vote of confidence — it’s a signal to the world that this region is built for ambitious, industry-defining work.”

The project includes a major expansion of Merck’s research and development laboratories, further strengthening the company’s global leadership in parasiticide and therapeutics development, and deepening its roots in the De Soto community.

“Merck has been not only a great corporate citizen, but an integral economic engine in De Soto for the past 25 years. We are so pleased Merck has chosen to reinvest in our community and are committed to doing so well into the future,” said Tim Holverson, president of the De Soto Kansas Chamber of Commerce & EDC. “De Soto has shown they can deliver the workforce talent and values the economic partnership that has made this a true economic development success story.”

Media assets including photos, video and additional details are available in the Merck Animal Health media library.

About Merck Animal Health

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

About the KC Animal Health Corridor

Representing more than half of the global animal health industry’s sales, and home to over 300 animal health companies, the KC Animal Health Corridor is the largest concentration of its kind worldwide. Anchored by Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, the Corridor serves as a thriving hub for innovation and collaboration. | kcanimalhealth.com

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Serving the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area, the Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Heartland and KC Global Design. | onekc.com

Talent in 2025: What’s Working, What’s Not, What’s Next

Let’s face it — recruiting and retaining top talent in today’s world is not for the faint of heart. From AI to Gen Z, the game keeps changing. But the good news? Kansas City companies are rising to the challenge, and the 2025 TeamKC Scouting Report has the playbook to prove it.

Here’s how to level up your talent strategy this year:

Make AI your teammate — not your replacement.

Yep, AI is everywhere. But here’s the catch: while most HR teams are using it, not everyone knows how to talk about it. If you’re feeling a little “robot-shy,” you’re not alone.

Start by demystifying the tools for your team — because smart tech works best when your people know how (and why) to use it.

Go beyond the checkbox on DEIB.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging aren’t just buzzwords — they’re culture-shapers. KC employers are taking a people-first approach: embracing neurodiversity, building up community connections and making sure everyone feels like they actually belong.

Hint: belonging shows up in the little things, not just the big statements.

Rethink what “workforce” really means.

Five generations, one office (or Zoom call). Sound familiar? Gen Z wants purpose, Millennials want flexibility and everyone’s craving clarity. The smartest talent teams are ditching one-size-fits-all policies and designing benefits, career paths and cultures that flex with their people.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

The truth? There’s no “set it and forget it” when it comes to talent strategy. Whether you’re testing new tech, refreshing your values or trying out a four-day workweek, forward-thinking employers know: growth means change, and change might feel messy. Dive in anyway.

Tell your KC story.

People aren’t just choosing a job — they’re choosing a life. So if you’re hiring in Kansas City (or relocating talent here), make sure you’re spotlighting the whole package: great food, short commutes, world-class culture and real community. We’ve got the goods — don’t keep it a secret.

Pro tip: share the KC stories that fill the pages of KC Options – snag print copies for welcome gifts or integrate the digital edition into candidate communications.

And that’s just the highlight reel…

Inside the 2025 TeamKC Scouting Report, you’ll find the numbers behind KC’s rising educated workforce, a snapshot of the markets we’re attracting the most talent from, which industries are driving the region forward and much more. (Spoiler: It’s not just what you’d expect.)

Get the data, insights and fresh ideas to build a talent strategy that works.

👉 Check it out here

Discover more tools, resources and opportunities to join the conversation — connect with TeamKC today.

CERES TAG Launches Next-Generation CERES RANCHER(TM) Device, Delivering Smarter Animal Health Intelligence for U.S. Cattle Producers

New CERES RANCHER device delivers smarter insights, stronger design, and improved efficiency for modern cattle producers across the U.S.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 28, 2025 – CERES TAG, the global leader in direct-to satellite animal tracking and livestock intelligence, has announced the launch of its newest product, the CERES RANCHER (TM). This advanced technology represents the latest advancement in a series of innovations designed to equip ranchers, producers, veterinarians, and researchers with powerful, real-time insights that strengthen cattle operations from pasture to plate.

Following strong growth in the U.S. market over the first half of 2025 and early success with key partnerships and distribution, CERES TAG has expanded its portfolio with a device that incorporates feedback from years of field use across global operations. The CERES RANCHER builds on the strengths of the original CERES RANCH device, delivering new functionality, durability, and simplicity to producers while maintaining the accuracy and reliability that has defined the company’s reputation.

“This is the next level of livestock intelligence to meet the future and current demands of ranching,” said David Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of CERES TAG. “We’ve listened to producers, researchers, and field experts around the world, and RANCHER is the result of this research. It delivers better analytical data, faster, and with greater ease of use.”

The CERES RANCHER includes improvements in battery performance and a stronger, more rugged housing. It features a simplified application process and a newly designed activation tool that improves alignment and reduces user error. Additionally, its updated algorithms now provide separately reported data for resting and ruminating behaviors, a critical development for producers and researchers seeking to better understand herd activity and efficiency.

As livestock operations across the U.S. face mounting pressure from reduced herd sizes and rising calf prices, tools like CERES RANCHER offer real advantages in herd management. With continuous insights into grazing, movement, health, and behavior, the device supports better decisions, streamlined labor, and increased profitability for producers of all sizes.

“Our platform is not just about location, it’s about insights that help producers be more productive and thrive in today’s competitive environment” Smith added. “We’re focused on improving productivity and profitability with every tag.”

CERES RANCHER will be available through approved distribution channels. The original CERES RANCH device will continue to be offered while supplies last, giving producers the flexibility to choose the product that best meets their operation’s needs.

CERES TAG continues to scale its presence across North America with the mission of redefining ranching through intelligence, not just tracking. With clients including Lykes Bros. Ranch in Florida and research collaborations with the University of Tennessee, the company is quickly establishing itself as an essential platform in modern livestock management.

CERES TAG is the world’s first direct-to-satellite animal health intelligence platform, delivering secure, real-time insights on cattle health, behavior, and location without the need for cellular networks or manual data collection. With operations across the U.S., Australia, and beyond, CERES TAG is reshaping how producers and researchers manage animal health, biosecurity, traceability, and profitability.

For more information about CERES TAG and its innovative solutions, visit www.cerestag.com.

About CERES TAG

CERES TAG is a pioneering Australian company specializing in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology. The company’s innovative solutions provide real-time tracking and data analytics for livestock and wildlife, enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability in the agriculture and conservation sectors. | cerestag.com

Contact:
Cara Neill
cneill@jnaadv.com
913.327.0055

Shifting Gears | Automotive Industry at a Crossroads

KC SmartPort’s 2025 Annual Industry Briefing gathered 650 industry leaders to share insights into transformations underway in the automotive sector — from electrification and advanced manufacturing to rapidly evolving supply chains, shifting trade policies and rising foreign investment.

Industry Leaders Share Vision for the Future of Mobility

Christopher Smith, chief government affairs officer for Ford Motor Company, delivered the keynote address, offering attendees a look at how Ford is building the future of mobility — emphasizing forward-looking investments in electrification and its commitment to American manufacturing.  

“The automotive industry is at an inflection point: rapid changes in electrification and global trade are fundamentally transforming the way we do business,” said Smith. “Ford is meeting the moment by making forward-looking investments in emerging technologies, and our commitment to building the next generation of automobiles in America is central to our long-term success.” 

Featured speakers also included Andy Hrasky, vice president of operations for Magna International, and Dan Lee, principal of automotive and strategy practice for Plante Moran.

Hrasky highlighted Magna’s agility in automotive innovation and sustainability, emphasizing Kansas City’s skilled workforce as a key competitive advantage as the company deepens its investment in the region. Lee, delving into shifting consumer demands and North American investment trends, discussed the critical role of battery supply chains — highlighting Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion EV battery plant in the KC region as a key driver of future competitiveness.

KC’s Momentum in Automotive on Full Display

With a Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $5 billion, the KC region continues to cement its role as a major North American hub for automotive manufacturing. The region is home to 112 auto industry suppliers, including production powerhouses for Ford and General Motors, and employs nearly 23,000 workers in transportation manufacturing — 60% higher than the national average.

Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, emphasized the KC region’s long-standing leadership in the auto sector and how it’s positioned to lead the next era of mobility.

“Kansas City has been a driving force in the automotive industry for decades, and today, that leadership is accelerating into new territory. KC is not just building vehicles — we’re building the future,” said Gutierrez. “As global trends reshape the supply chain and drive new investment, our region is responding with innovation, talent and world-class manufacturing strength. From legacy automakers to new suppliers, the road ahead runs straight through Kansas City.”

Thank you to BNSF Railway, Elevate Edgerton, Panasonic Energy, and all of our sponsors, who made this year’s event possible. 

Kansas City is Shifting Gears | KC SmartPort PULSE

Panoramic photo of the Kansas City FTZ conference room

From Policy Shocks to Supply Chain Shifts: What’s Next for Auto in KC?

KC SmartPort’s 2025 Annual Industry Briefing gathered 650 industry leaders to discuss trends shaping the auto sector and how these shifts are impacting the KC region. Industry experts from Ford, Magna and Plante Moran tackled key topics impacting the automotive sector, such as trade policy uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and evolving product strategies.

Data Deep-Dive: Explore Plante Moran’s in-depth automotive outlook for expert insights into the current state of the industry and what’s driving change in the years ahead.

>> Get the Report

Major Energy Infrastructure Expansions Power Up KC

Evergy is boosting the region’s energy capacity with a newly announced natural gas power plant in Missouri, adding to two 705-megawatt combined-cycle plants previously announced in Kansas. These significant investments position KC to meet rising demand and power the region’s next phase of growth. 

KC Lands Record-Breaking FinTech Win

KC’s cross-industry momentum just hit a new milestone. Fiserv, a Fortune 500 global fintech leader, announced plans to open its newest strategic hub in the region, creating 2,000 jobs — the largest office attraction project in Kansas City’s history.

6 Ways Kansas City Is Winning Global Business & Investment

In a time when international companies are navigating unpredictability in trade policy, energy prices and supply chain, Kansas City is proving why it’s one of the most strategic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) markets in the U.S.

Today’s international companies are planning not just for next year, but for the next decade and beyond, making macroeconomic stability a top priority. Kansas City delivers long-term value, offering low-risk, high-reward — and international investors are taking notice.

1. Long-Term Stability in a Turbulent Global Market

Foreign investors view KC as a “clarity market” — a welcome contrast to economic chaos elsewhere.

  • A diversified industry base reduces risk for expanding companies.
  • Kansas City’s regulated utility market and expanding energy infrastructure — including Evergy’s recently announced plants in both Kansas and Missouri — offer reliable, long-term operating advantages.

2. Speed-to-Market

Where other markets are stalled by red tape, Kansas City keeps projects moving — fast. That means reduced risk and increased ROI for international companies.

  • KC’s streamlined regulatory environment offers quicker timelines than many international markets.
  • Recent wins, such as Panasonic’s $4B EV battery plant, demonstrate KC’s ability to accelerate projects without sacrificing quality.
  • Kansas City prioritizes site readiness, with infrastructure and utilities in place to help companies move from interest to groundbreaking with minimal delays.

3. America’s Crossroads

KC sits at the heart of North America, where world-class transportation infrastructure meets unmatched connectivity. From this central location, foreign companies can quickly deliver and reliably scale across the continent.

  • Access to four Class 1 rail lines, four intermodal parks and the largest navigable inland waterway in the U.S.
  • 30% more highway miles per capita than any other major U.S. metro — with four major interstates connecting to Mexico and Canada — enabling KC-based companies to reach 90% of the contiguous U.S. within two days or less.
  • KC’s state-of-the-art international airport handles more air cargo than any center in a six-state region — and connects to every major U.S. city in three hours or less.

4. Global Reputation

From industry-leading investments to international sports visibility, Kansas City’s momentum is accelerating — sparking a ripple effect of confidence among site selectors, investors and corporate decision-makers evaluating their next move.

  • Fortune 500 companies and global names, including Google, Panasonic and Fiserv, have recently chosen the region for major operations, investing billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs. 
  • As a FIFA World Cup 26™ host city, KC will be in the spotlight for soccer fans around the world.

5. Workforce Ready for Tomorrow

Advanced manufacturing and high-growth sectors thrive in KC, driven by a deep talent pool ready to drive success — ensuring a seamless market entry for foreign companies.

  • KC offers a highly educated, skilled and cost-effective workforce, including nearly 200,000 people employed in manufacturing and logistics.
  • State and local partnerships are growing talent pipelines tailored to emerging industries with effective training programs such as Great Jobs KC.
  • The region’s strong work ethic consistently drives above-average productivity and enables rapid scalability

6. Open for Business and Building Relationships

Kansas City combines a pro-business climate with strategic global engagement, creating a launchpad for long-term, advantageous international partnerships.

  • The motto is simple: Get past the noise. Find a solution. KC’s economic development partners help companies cut through complexity and act.
  • Ongoing international outreach efforts are creating long-term business partnerships, not just transactions.
  • The Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone program provides manufacturing and distribution companies strategic and logistical advantages to help manage global supply chain complexities.

To learn more about Kansas City’s global business advantages and explore partnership opportunities, contact our team today.

KC Attracts Largest Office Project Recruitment in Region’s History with New Fiserv Strategic Fintech Hub

Congratulations to our partners in Overland Park, Kansas, on Fiserv’s selection of the Aspiria Campus for its new strategic fintech hub.

The largest office project recruitment in Kansas City history, the Fortune 500 company’s planned $175 million capital investment is projected to create 2,000 jobs in its initial phase. 

Read the News Release

The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to partner with the following organizations in attracting Fiserv to the KC region:

State of Kansas

Kansas Department of Commerce

City of Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park Chamber of Commerce

Johnson County, Kansas Government

KC Tech Council

Kansas Board of Regents

Great Jobs KC

University of Kansas

Johnson County Community College

JLL

Occidental Management

50strong

Actalent Services and Aston Carter

Allied OneSource

Black & Veatch

CBIZ

Dimensional Innovations

EnterpriseKC

Evergy

EY

Group O’Dell

H&R Block

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce

Heartland Multiple Listing Service, Inc.

Hiring Our Heroes

Kansas City Aviation Department

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS

Kansas City Royals

KC2026 

KC Current

Lockton Companies

Metropolitan Community College

Morgan Hunter Companies

Netsmart

Panasonic Energy

Park University

Parris Communications

Rockhurst University

SkillBridge

Sporting Kansas City

Storia Strategies

Sunflower Talent Strategies

T-Mobile

TeamKC

TreviPay

University of Central Missouri

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City Region Secures Fintech Powerhouse in Record-Breaking Office Project Attraction of Fiserv

The Fortune 500 company’s new strategic hub brings 2,000 jobs, long-term investment and industry innovation to Overland Park’s Aspiria campus

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 21, 2025 – Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a global leader in payments and financial services technology, has announced plans to establish a new strategic fintech hub in Overland Park, Kansas, bringing 2,000 new jobs and a projected $6.5 billion economic impact over the next decade.

The company will invest $175 million to renovate two buildings on the Aspiria campus at 6500 and 6550 Sprint Parkway. Spanning 427,000 square feet, the new strategic hub is the largest office project ever recruited from outside the market and marks a major milestone in the Kansas City region’s rise as a national tech and fintech leader.

“We are thrilled to expand our U.S. footprint, bringing our people together to drive innovation on behalf of our clients,” said Frank Bisignano, chairman and chief executive officer of Fiserv. “The greater Kansas City Metro area offers a dynamic environment with a growing population of tech talent, making it the ideal location for Fiserv’s next strategic fintech hub. Working with local and state leaders, we are committed to driving growth and prosperity for both Fiserv and Kansas while contributing to the vibrancy of the Overland Park community.”

“Fiserv’s new strategic hub in Overland Park is a significant step forward as we continue to elevate Kansas to new heights,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Fiserv will create high-value career options including opportunities for military personnel transitioning to civilian life and graduates of our higher education system.”

Fiserv’s decision to grow in the Kansas City region underscores the metro’s strength in financial services and technology, as well as its ability to attract and retain high-caliber talent. The company plans to offer an average salary of $102,000 at the new hub and anticipates up to $4 billion in payroll investment over the next 10 years.

The new office will join a growing list of innovation centers across the country for Fiserv, including locations in Alpharetta, Milwaukee, Omaha, Berkeley Heights and New York City. The Kansas City region was selected based on its central location, high quality of life and concentration of financial and tech talent — all key to Fiserv’s hub strategy focused on collaboration and innovation.

“Overland Park is already a strong hub for business and technology leadership, and Fiserv is a natural fit in our community,” said Overland Park Mayor Skoog. “The thousands of jobs Fiserv brings, along with the potential to serve neighboring businesses within our thriving community, is a significant win. I look forward to welcoming Fiserv leadership and their employees to our city.”

“This historic investment is another example of a major company choosing to invest here and solidifies Johnson County as the economic engine of the metro region and the State of Kansas,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.

The new strategic hub will also serve as a career engine for the local community, offering high-value opportunities to graduates of regional higher education institutions and to veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

“Fiserv’s investment is monumental — and so is the Kansas City region’s ability to deliver,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “With a fast-growing tech sector, a deep pipeline of financial services talent and a business community that works as one, Kansas City has the capacity and competitiveness to meet this moment. There’s no better proof that Kansas City is winning than a global fintech leader choosing KC over markets like Nashville, Dallas and Atlanta. Our market is arriving, and the rest of the country is taking notice.”

“Fiserv’s significant investment and job creation reflect the strength of our community, the vibrancy of our local economy and confidence in our community’s future,” said Tracey Osborne Oltjen, president & CEO of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “The high-paying jobs and innovation this project brings will amplify our strong fintech sector and have a lasting, positive impact throughout the region. We’re proud to have partnered with Overland Park city leaders, the Kansas Department of Commerce and KCADC to make this project possible.”

Fiserv is expected to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Overland Park facility, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability. Amenities at the Aspiria campus will support employee well-being, including fitness, dining and collaborative spaces — all aimed at attracting the region’s top tech talent.

“Fiserv selecting the Aspiria campus for a strategic employment hub further adds to the already thriving technology ecosystem in the Kansas City region,” said Chad Stafford, president of Occidental Management. “We are pleased to have played a part in bringing Fiserv’s long-term commitment to the community, where we believe we have a top-notch experiential environment to help attract the very best professional talent in the Midwest.”

About Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a Fortune 500 company, aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500® Index and one of Fortune® World’s Most Admired Companies™. Visit fiserv.com and follow on social media for more information and the latest company news.

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Serving the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area, the Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.com