KCADC Archives - Page 2 of 6

Cutting-Edge Animal Health Tech Company Ceres Tag Selects KC Region for North American Headquarters

The Australian animal health intelligence company revolutionizes animal performance welfare and location monitoring with direct-to-satellite technology

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – January 29, 2025 – Ceres Tag, an Australian leader in direct-to-satellite animal monitoring technology, announced today the establishment of its North American headquarters at the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. The move further strengthens the Kansas City region as a hub for animal health technology and innovation.

Ceres Tag’s groundbreaking technology involves durable, solar-charged smart monitoring sensors that can be attached to wildlife or livestock. The company offers insights previously unavailable to farmers, ranchers and wildlife managers to improve productivity, profits and conservation. By delivering plug-and-play solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing software systems, Ceres Tag empowers a variety of end-users with a scalable and less-intrusive approach to animal monitoring, boosting productivity and profitability.

“The Kansas City region was the clear choice for our North American headquarters,” said David Smith, founder and CEO of Ceres Tag. “This region offers the perfect environment to grow our presence and deliver our groundbreaking technology — poised to transform animal health science for businesses across North America.”

Ceres Tag’s new office will initially support four to six employees, with additional sales representatives positioned strategically across the United States. The company’s arrival is expected to pave the way for more technological innovators established in Australia to land in the KC market.

Supporting a New Generation of Animal Health Professionals

Young animal health professionals, digital natives with a heightened focus on animal welfare, represent a key demographic for Ceres Tag’s technology. By improving market access and providing unprecedented insights into animal health and performance, Ceres Tag equips ranchers, farmers and more with the tools they need to adapt to evolving industry demands and ensure optimized solutions for their own businesses and customers.

A Strategic Addition to the KC Animal Health Corridor

Located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor – the largest hub of animal health industry assets in the world – the KC region offers an unparalleled concentration of animal health innovation and a thriving network of more than 300 established companies.

“Ceres Tag’s investment in our region reinforces our global reputation as a leader in animal health innovation,” said Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Representing 56 percent of total worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales, the Animal Health Corridor is home to some of the most cutting-edge technology in our industry, and we’re thrilled to welcome Ceres Tag to our robust network.”

Collaboration Opportunities

With the establishment of its North American headquarters, Ceres Tag is actively seeking partnerships with businesses across the animal health sector to enhance insights and improve customer outcomes. Interested organizations can learn more by visiting 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

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.org

OpenStore Lands in Kansas City, Missouri, with First E-Commerce Fulfillment Center

The new $5 million facility will optimize operations for the Shopify-brand aggregator

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – December 10, 2024 – OpenStore, an innovative e-commerce platform transforming how businesses scale and operate, has announced its first-ever fulfillment center in Kansas City, Missouri, to open in March 2025.

The 113,000-square-foot facility, located at Executive Park Logistics Center, represents a $5 million capital investment and positions OpenStore to provide faster and more efficient service to its growing portfolio of e-commerce brands. The investment is expected to bring 46 new jobs and $2 million in payroll to the Kansas City region in the next five years.

“No matter the industry, Missouri delivers what innovative businesses like OpenStore need to invest, grow, and thrive,” said Governor Mike Parson. “It’s always exciting to see cutting-edge companies choosing the Show-Me State due to our strategic location, superior infrastructure and talented workforce. We welcome OpenStore to Kansas City and look forward to its contributions to the area’s growing distribution sector.”

OpenStore is the largest operator of businesses on Shopify, with more than 100,000 SKUs and a customer base exceeding 2 million. The e-commerce company is committed to scaling its portfolio through investments in technology and innovation, improving customer support with its AI-powered tool, OpenDesk, and optimizing logistics with its new fulfillment center.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first fulfillment center in Kansas City, Missouri — a major milestone that underscores OpenStore’s incredible growth and our commitment to delivering world-class service to our customers,” said David Reifschneider, head of supply chain at OpenStore. “This expansion not only enhances our operational capabilities but also positions us to better serve our customers while implementing technology-driven fulfillment solutions. The future is bright and we’re excited to embark on this next chapter of growth and opportunity with the significant talent resources in the Kansas City region.”

A top destination for e-commerce and distribution companies, Kansas City has attracted $2.2 billion in investments and 6,000 jobs to the industry over the last five years.

“I am proud OpenStore chose Kansas City to plant its roots for its first-ever fulfillment center. With OpenStore’s innovative e-commerce technology and our world-class distribution capabilities, talented workforce, and ideal location, I look forward to an exciting chapter in growing our digital economy in Kansas City,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

“We’re a city of innovators and we’re proud to welcome an innovative company like OpenStore to Kansas City. We look forward to the continued growth and success of their operations here,” said Steven Anthony, Vice President of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

As a North American industrial hub, Kansas City’s central location and robust transportation infrastructure enable distributors to reach 90% of the contiguous U.S. in two days or less by truck. Companies also enjoy access to a strong talent pipeline of 190,000+ logistics and manufacturing employees.

“Kansas City continues to be a key player in industrial growth and innovation, attracting 70 million square feet of development in the past decade,” said Josie Calkins, director at KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “The region’s unmatched location and logistics advantages are highly attractive to technologically innovative companies like OpenStore looking to optimize their operations and expand their reach.”

Career opportunities for the Kansas City facility are now available at OpenStore’s job openings page, with additional opportunities coming in 2025.

About OpenStore

OpenStore is the largest operator of businesses on Shopify. With over 100,000 SKUs and a customer base exceeding 2 million, OpenStore invests in innovation and technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term success across its diverse portfolio. For more information, visit open.store.

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

2024 KCADC Annual Meeting Highlights $1.8B of New Investment Across the Region and Celebrates Market’s Industry Strengths

The sold-out event united more than 2,000 civic and business leaders that support Kansas City’s regional growth and rising global influence

KANSAS CITY – Nov. 14, 2024 – Today, the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting, the KC region’s largest yearly business gathering, convening leaders from across the 18-county, two-state area. The event, themed “FLEX,” celebrated a landmark year of growth and reinforced the power of flexibility and adaptability as drivers of regional success.

To date in 2024, KCADC and its partners attracted 16 companies to the region, driving $1.8 billion in capital investment, 1,498 new jobs, $104.7 million in wages and 2.3 million square feet of new space. This year also marked a new milestone in KCADC’s media coverage, with 630+ stories of Kansas City’s project wins, industry strengths and lifestyle amenities reaching an audience of more than 1.25 billion – 1 in 8 people worldwide.

Celebrating the year’s many significant project successes, Ora Reynolds, KCADC senior co-chair and president & CEO of Hunt Midwest, noted that the region’s monumental successes and bold moves are the foundation for KC’s long-term growth.

“When our partners flex their strengths, from community-building to attracting world-class investments, Kansas City becomes a stronger, more resilient region,” Reynolds said. “Eyes all over the world are on Kansas City thanks to our tremendous success, from billions of dollars in investment and industry growth to national sports recognition and global affinity for the KC story. Today, we celebrate our monumental wins while challenging ourselves as an entire region to push for more.”

A major 2024 investment included Google, which announced its $1 billion data center in Kansas City, Missouri, in March. In addition to this transformative facility, Google pledged to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free energy to the local grid and contribute $100,000 to the North Kansas City School District’s STEAM center, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable growth and educational innovation in the community.

At the KCADC Annual Meeting, global head of economic and community development for Google data centers, Utaukwa Allen, announced the company’s expanded commitment to Kansas City through a new, $120,000 partnership with Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS). The investment is slated to strengthen KCPS’ STEM curriculum, equipping students with the skills needed for impactful careers and a future driven by digital innovation.

“From data centers to investment in STEM education, Google’s commitment transcends infrastructure; our partnerships in Kansas City are vital engines of economic growth and resilience for the region and beyond,” said Allen. “Today, we build on our commitment to nurturing a sustainable, inclusive and economically vibrant environment in Kansas City, ensuring its future workforce is ready to lead in the era of AI.”

Best-selling author and CEO of FutureThink, Lisa Bodell, keynoted the event, sharing her expertise on how simplification boosts success on both an individual and organization level. She shared practical tools to empower attendees on how to maximize efficiencies and focus on the core of meaningful work.

Reflecting on a year marked by significant achievements, Tim Cowden, president & CEO of KCADC, encouraged attendees to embrace a flexible, forward-looking approach to sustain and build upon Kansas City’s momentum.

“Kansas City’s momentum is no accident — it’s the result of our entire region aligning around a shared vision for innovation, resilience and growth,” said Cowden. “By embracing flexibility and the power of collaboration, we’re building a future where Kansas City isn’t just keeping up — it’s leading on a global stage.”

Consistently ranked as a top regional economic development group, KCADC serves as an essential resource for locating businesses and talent to the region. The organization recently received two gold medals at the International Economic Development Council’s Excellence Awards for its annual publication, KC Options Magazine, and “KC Design Draft” campaign.

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Top Takeaways | Digital Health in KC

The recent E.D. Alliance event provided insight to Kansas City’s economic developers on the region’s position as a digital health hub. Industry experts underscored KC’s strong talent pool, cost-effective operations and established ecosystem of digital health companies as driving factors of the region’s success in this rapidly evolving sector.

Panelists

Dick Flanigan | CEO, Digital Health KC
Dominique Gross | CEO, Hart, Inc.
Kara Lowe | President & CEO, KC Tech Council
Jim Starcev | Program Manager, KC Digital Drive
Samantha Jefferson – Moderator | Vice President of Corporate Attraction – Emerging Sectors, KCADC

The KC Network of Innovation

Digital health in Kansas City spans more than just digital medical records; it includes everything from wearable tech to advanced health care equipment.

The region is home to more than 120 digital health companies, a blend of industry giants – WellSky, Netsmart, and Garmin, to name a few – alongside a vibrant mix of startups and midsize firms.

As program manager of KC Digital Drive, a nonprofit aimed at making KC a leading digital hub, Jim Starcev highlighted that the organization is actively supporting approximately 15 emerging startups, many founded by seasoned professionals with deep roots in KC’s digital health legacy. This rich ecosystem fosters abundant opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

KC’s Workforce Advantage

Dick Flanigan, CEO of Digital Health KC, said it best: “Workforce is our superpower.”

With a 40+ year legacy beginning with Cerner, the region is home to a high concentration of tech professionals, creating a unique “talent ladder” that attracts digital health companies. More than 25,000 employees work at KC digital health companies – that’s 1 in 3 tech workers – 6,000+ of whom have more than a decade of experience.

Dominique Gross, CEO of digital health company Hart, Inc., referenced workforce as a major factor in the company’s decision to relocate its headquarters from California to Kansas City in Jan. 2024. She emphasized that many of the professionals working in the region, despite having global work opportunities, are passionate about contributing to KC-based companies and advancing the local digital health sector.

The challenge is maintaining this workforce advantage amidst a gap in regional tech recruitment. Kara Lowe, CEO of the KC Tech Council, noted that “we cannot recruit ourselves out of the talent gap,” and that the future growth of KC’s tech sector will require a balanced approach in attracting, developing and retaining talent.

Regional communities have a unique opportunity to connect with digital health companies aiming to expand in Kansas City. By reaching out proactively, local economic developers can engage in meaningful conversations about these companies’ workforce and infrastructure needs. This collaborative approach not only anticipates future requirements but also creates a supportive environment to help digital health companies succeed and grow within the KC region. Get started with Digital Health KC’s directory of local digital health companies.

Infrastructure for Growth

Kansas City’s adaptability and central location make it appealing to digital health companies, benefitting from flexible office spaces and lower operating costs than other cities around the U.S. These factors are significant draws for digital health companies, particularly those with non-traditional tech office needs (ex. wet labs, manufacturing space).

KC’s established hub of companies also continues to attract new digital health business. For example, KC-founded Garmin is a leader in the production of health tech devices – digital health companies exclusively using these devices are choosing KC for their operations for close proximity to their supplier.

Kansas City’s distribution strengths offer a strategic advantage for digital health companies, particularly those performing kitting, assembly and shipping services. With quick access to 90% of the U.S. population, KC is an ideal logistics hub for digital health companies.

The Future of Digital Health

Panelists noted that the KC region thrives when companies work together to make the market a hub for digital health. This collaborative nature – true to the KC spirit – fosters a pipeline of talent and continued business innovation.

Kansas City’s potential in digital health is immense, and with a robust strategy, will continue to sustain and enhance its workforce, attract early-stage investors and grow programs for diverse digital health needs. As Kansas City strengthens its pull through collaboration, infrastructure and workforce development, the region’s digital health landscape is poised for continued growth and innovation.

Learn more about Kansas City’s strengths as a digital health hub and how you can engage.

RB SRL Announces Entrance to North American Market with $16 Million Manufacturing Facility in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – October 17, 2024 – RB SRL, a modern precision parts manufacturer headquartered in Italy, announced the opening of RB America Corp. with its new 100,000-square-foot facility in Kansas City, Missouri.

As the first North American facility for the company, RB America Corp. is a $16 million investment set to bring 163 new jobs to the region, further strengthening the region’s position as a hub for innovation and growth in the advanced manufacturing sector.

“We’re proud that another world-class manufacturer like RB SRL has recognized Missouri as an ideal business location,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “When we met earlier this year in Italy, RB SRL made it clear that they are committed to growth and innovation. We look forward to this cutting-edge employer’s contributions to our vibrant manufacturing sector as it establishes a presence in Kansas City.”

“State-of-the-art technology and multiple production lines will set the new benchmark for the production of ammunition boxes, with enough capacity to meet the current demand for military boxes in the U.S. market,” said Renato Ballabio, president of RB America Corp. “The U.S. plant, of which we are very proud, incorporates all the best technologies we have developed over the years, as well as the knowledge gained from more than 30 years of experience in ammunition box production through our Italian company.”

With state-of-the-art technology specializing in the manufacture of ammunition boxes, RB America Corp. is poised to provide high-quality solutions to its U.S. customers.

“We’ve seen lots of momentum in the advanced manufacturing sector in Kansas City and are pleased to welcome RB America Corp.,” said Steven Anthony, vice president of business development for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “As an international company, they had many choices on where to locate, so their decision to come here highlights the strategic economic advantages our city offers.”

Production testing for the new facility will begin in November 2024 and is expected to be fully operational by early 2025. Leading commercial real estate advisory firm Newmark Zimmer led the search for this project.

“We are proud to welcome RB America Corp. to Missouri as they establish their first North American location in Kansas City,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “I had the pleasure of meeting their leadership team during a trade mission to Italy, and I’m excited to see their vision come to life here in Missouri. Our state is a strategic choice for foreign companies, and this investment is a testament to Missouri’s appeal as a top destination for international business.”

“It’s exciting to welcome RB America Corp. to Missouri as one of the newest members of our state’s incredibly strong, and ever-growing manufacturing industry,” said Michelle Hataway, director of the Department of Economic Development. “When successful companies like RB America Corp. choose to grow their business and invest in our state, they are putting our mission of helping Missourians prosper into motion.”

The Kansas City region is a leading North American industrial hub, with 70 million square feet of industrial development delivered in the last ten years and an unmatched central location that gives companies the advantage of providing two-day shipping to 90% of the contiguous U.S. and access to 190,000+ manufacturing and logistics employees.

“As both a top 15 U.S. industrial market and top 15 U.S. city for foreign business, Kansas City is uniquely positioned to support the growth and success of advanced manufacturers in the competitive North American market,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “RB America Corp.’s decision to establish their first U.S. facility in Kansas City is a testament to our region as a highly-attractive location for companies looking to take their manufacturing operations to the next level.”

About RB SRL

Incorporated in December 2018 as a result of a merger between various Italian companies, each owned by the same Italian entrepreneur and in business for more than 40 years, RB SRL serves customers from more than 50 countries and produces a very broad range of components for hunting and shooting ammunition, and ammunition containers for the military/defense market. RB SRL encompasses four production plants in Italy and one in the United States. www.rb-itg.com

About EDCKC

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, is a 501c4 agency that works to retain and grow its resident businesses, attract high opportunity companies, and attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce. The goal of EDCKC is to foster continued and sustainable growth that benefits a vibrant and diverse community. To learn more, visit edckc.com.

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone Ranks Top 25 in U.S.

U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board Releases its 85th Annual Report to Congress

September 12, 2024 – The U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Board recently released its 2023 Annual Report to Congress, and the Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone (GKCFTZ) ranked in the top 25 of the 200 active U.S. Foreign Trade Zones in multiple categories.

Twelve companies operate in the GKCFTZ, which includes Zone 15 in western Missouri and Zone 17 in eastern Kansas, and is one of the largest zones in the country, with more than 450 million square feet of approved foreign trade zone space. In 2023, these GKCFTZ companies:

Provided the most FTZ activity in both Missouri and Kansas.
Received nearly $2 billion worth of foreign and domestic goods.
Exported $618 million of goods from the zone.
Employed 2,500 people in the Kansas City region.
Created $3 billion in value-added activity.

“The GKCFTZ continues to see interest from manufacturing and distribution companies currently operating in the Kansas City region as well as those looking to set up new operations,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of GKCFTZ and KC SmartPort. “Panasonic Energy is our newest operator that will add a significant amount of jobs and activity to the Kansas City FTZ.”

FTZs are secured, designated locations around the United States in or near a U.S. Customs Port of Entry where foreign and domestic merchandise is generally considered to be in international commerce and outside of U.S. Customs territory. As a result, activated businesses in an FTZ can defer, reduce or eliminate duty on imports and take advantage of other benefits to encourage foreign commerce within the United States.

Kansas City’s central location and existing multi-modal transportation structure supports the GKCFTZ, providing a strong advantage for international supply chain operations to attract foreign investment into the area. FTZ users enjoy cost-saving benefits in cost of goods stored, produced or assembled, as well as cost reductions in transportation, distribution and other supply chain components.

The Kansas City region is one of the nation’s largest hubs for warehousing, distribution and manufacturing operations, ranking No. 2 in the Midwest and No. 4 in the nation for containerized imports, having achieved an estimated volume of 238,000 TEUs in 2021. Kansas City also ranked in the top 15 U.S. cities for foreign businesses by the Financial Times and Nikkei.

About The Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone, Inc.

GKCFTZ is a regional grantee of the national FTZ program. In 1974, GKCFTZ was the first nonprofit organization to be designated a grantee. GKCFTZ sponsors both Foreign-Trade Zone No. 15 in Kansas City, Missouri, and Zone No. 17 in Kansas City, Kansas. Zone 15 serves FTZ needs in 23 contiguous counties in the western half of Missouri, and Zone 17 presently serves nine counties in metropolitan Kansas City, Kansas. GKCFTZ is one of the largest zones in the country, with over 450 million square feet of approved foreign trade zone space that includes General Purpose and Subzone space in both Kansas and Missouri. | www.gkcftz.com

About KC SmartPort

An affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, KC SmartPort is the authority on industrial operations in the 18-county, two-state Kansas City region. The nonprofit economic development organization promotes and enhances the Kansas City region’s status as a leading North American inland port and logistics hub, attracting industrial company investment into the market. In the last five years, KC SmartPort has contributed to the attraction of nearly 12,000 jobs, more than $575 million in payroll and $5.8 billion in capital investment to the KC region. | www.kcsmartport.com

Healthcare IT Leaders to Locate Managed Services Hub and Executive Offices in KC Region

The Aspiria Campus in Overland Park will serve as host to one of the fastest-growing health care companies in the U.S.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – September 10, 2024 – Today, The Kansas City Area Development Council announced that Healthcare IT Leaders, a national leader in health care consulting and digital transformation, plans to house its new IT managed services hub in a 10,520-square-foot Class A office space on the Aspiria Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.

“The health care industry increasingly relies on firms like ours to manage significant parts of their infrastructure and application stack. By locating our managed services hub in the Kansas City region, we’re able to meet that demand and rapidly expand our operations by leveraging the area’s extensive health IT talent network,” said Healthcare IT Leaders CEO, Ben Hilmes, a former senior executive at KC-based Cerner Corporation — now Oracle.

Healthcare IT Leaders is a full-service IT consultancy, connecting its 450+ clients with experienced technical, clinical, financial, business and operational talent. With hundreds of employees around the United States, and offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; and Greenville, South Carolina, the Kansas City location will house key senior executives and give the company a critical operational hub in the Midwest.

“Supporting innovative professional and technical services businesses is a big part of Kansas’ economic development strategic plan,” Kansas Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “Attracting Healthcare IT Leaders, one of the industry’s fastest growing IT service companies, is a huge win for the Kansas City region and the state.”

Healthcare IT Leaders was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing, privately held companies. The company’s investment in its new location is expected to create 25+ high-wage jobs with six-figure salary opportunities for skilled IT professionals.

Healthcare IT Leaders joins fellow innovative companies located on the Aspiria Campus, including T-Mobile, TraviPay and Cogent. Andrew Greene of Cushman & Wakefield assisted Healthcare IT Leaders with its office search. The Aspiria Campus is owned and operated by Occidental Management.

“The Overland Park Chamber and EDC are thrilled to have Healthcare IT Leaders join other prominent companies providing digital health services in Overland Park. The company’s decision to establish a location here is a testament to our growing reputation as a hub for innovation and health care excellence,” said Libbey Tucker, senior vice president of economic development at the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “This partnership will create high-quality jobs and further our region’s leadership in the technology and health care sectors.”

Driven by its key value of philanthropy, Healthcare IT Leaders is further strengthening its commitment to the KC region by serving as the Survivorship & Hope presenting sponsor for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night event in Overland Park on October 5. Funds raised support lifesaving research, advocacy and aid for blood cancer patients and their families.

The Kansas City region’s digital health sector is a hub for companies innovating at the intersection of health care and information technology. With more than 100 pioneering companies and a network of 25,000 seasoned professionals, digital health companies in the KC region are revolutionizing health care.

“The addition of Healthcare IT Leaders to our region is an exciting opportunity for Kansas City’s thriving digital health cluster. The company’s expertise in health care innovation will be invaluable to forging new pathways for ideas, talent, capital and customers to converge,” said Dick Flanigan, CEO of Digital Health KC. “We look forward to supporting the collaborative innovations Healthcare IT Leaders’ presence will foster within our robust network of digital health companies.”

“In today’s highly competitive economic development landscape, exceptional real estate, strong workforce and a vibrant community are key to attracting successful office deals. Kansas City offers all these advantages at a world-class level,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “The ease of doing business, combined with a booming tech job growth and a skyrocketing global brand, make the KC region a premier destination for innovative businesses including Healthcare IT Leaders.”

About Healthcare IT Leaders

Healthcare IT Leaders is a national leader in IT consulting and workforce solutions. We help leading hospitals and health systems achieve their goals for digital transformation and optimal patient care with implementation services, project management, consulting, managed services and talent solutions. | healthcareitleaders.com

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

MARSHALLTOWN Expands Nationwide Reach with New $27 Million Distribution Facility in Kansas City, Kansas

The centrally located facility will bolster the company’s ability to supply construction and home improvement products nationwide

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – August 30, 2024 – MARSHALLTOWN, recognized for supplying high-quality tools and products to major brands including Lowe’s and Home Depot, announced its plans to open a new distribution facility. The family-owned manufacturing company is locating its new facility in Scannell Properties’ 435 Logistics Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

“I am thrilled to announce MARSHALLTOWN’s plans to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the Kansas City Metro area that will significantly enhance our logistics capabilities,” said Jack Murders, COO of MARSHALLTOWN. “This project will add more than 200,000 square feet of finished space to MARSHALLTOWN’s ever-growing facilities footprint and offers a tremendous opportunity for future growth. This strategically located facility is set to become a key hub for distribution and a vital transfer point between our operations. We believe this move represents another forward-thinking step for MARSHALLTOWN, reinforcing our commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence.”

The 200,000-square-foot distribution center is expected to create 40 new jobs, representing a capital investment of $27 million.

“When companies like MARSHALLTOWN, with its robust distribution network, are looking to expand – they look to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Framework for Growth calls for a focus on the distribution, logistics and transportation sector because of our centralized location, well-maintained infrastructure and talent pipeline. MARSHALLTOWN is a perfect fit.”

Brothers Jesse and Lester Williams established MARSHALLTOWN in 1890 as a machine shop and automobile/bicycle repair business, building it upon the foundations of hard work, integrity, and dedication to excellence. Those values have been passed down through generations, molding MARSHALLTOWN into the respected, family-owned company it has been and continues to be today. Through growth and innovation, MARSHALLTOWN has stayed true to its roots, creating superior quality products that reflect the high standards set forth by the Williams family 134 years ago.

“We are excited to welcome MARSHALLTOWN to Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County. This recognized family-owned business and supplier of high-quality tools and products will be a great addition to our list of great companies in Wyandotte County. We look forward to them connecting opportunities to our residents and engaging the community to help us continue growing our economy,” said Tyrone Garner, mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

MARSHALLTOWN offers more than 9,000 products for a variety of construction and home improvement applications to customers worldwide through a robust distribution network.

“MARSHALLTOWN is a fantastic addition to the growing number of companies at 435 Logistics Park. We are honored to be a trusted partner on the construction of their state-of-the-art distribution center in Kansas City, Kansas,” said Cam Duff, director of development at Scannell Properties. “We now have over 3 million square feet of projects currently under construction in the Kansas City region, and we continue to commit to the area as a leading industrial real estate developer.”

“The Kansas City region’s central location, robust infrastructure and extensive transportation network make it an ideal choice for companies like MARSHALLTOWN looking to optimize their supply chain,” said Elli Bowen, vice president of KC Smartport, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “From KC, industrial operations can quickly and efficiently reach their customers across North America and beyond. We’re thrilled to support MARSHALLTOWN’s continued growth and welcome them to our Top 15 logistics hub.”

MARSHALLTOWN is a privately held company with more than 700 full-time employees and currently operates facilities in Marshalltown, Iowa, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Bushnell, Illinois, and Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

About MARSHALLTOWN

Since 1890, MARSHALLTOWN has been the manufacturer of choice for quality, industry-leading construction tools and equipment, catering to a wide range of applications such as asphalt, brick, stone, concrete, paint, drywall, plaster, stucco, tiling/flooring, carpet, roofing, snow removal, and landscaping. With humble beginnings as a machine shop and automobile/bicycle repair business, MARSHALLTOWN has transformed into a family of Iconic American-Made Tool Brands, including Avalanche! winter tools, BARWALT tiling tools, BULLET flooring cutters, DASCO PRO chisels and punches, VAUGHAN hammers and striking tools, and WAL-BOARD drywall tools. The MARSHALLTOWN brands are some of the most trusted in their industry, united by a commitment to innovation, quality, and American manufacturing. With five facilities across the Midwest and a catalog of more than 9,000 products, MARSHALLTOWN aims to constantly innovate the construction tool and equipment space, looking for improved ways to solve problems and finish jobs faster, better, and with more ease. | marshalltown.com

About Scannell Properties

Scannell Properties is a privately held real estate development and investment company that focuses on build-to-suit and speculative development of industrial, office, and multifamily facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Since its inception in 1990, Scannell Properties has completed 850 development projects totaling 140 million SF. For more information, visit scannellproperties.com.

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

Elanco Animal Health Inc. to Expand Operations in Kansas City Region

ELWOOD, Kan. – August 20, 2024 – Elanco Animal Health Inc., a global leader in animal health, announced today it plans a $130 million investment through the end of 2026 to expand and renovate its existing manufacturing facility in Elwood, Kansas. The planned expansion in Doniphan County is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs over the next two years.

Elanco’s Elwood site currently manufactures and ships its Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) and will be the flagship location for Elanco’s future monoclonal antibody manufacturing. This product is the first and only USDA conditionally approved targeted treatment for parvovirus, which affects an estimated 330,000 dogs annually in the U.S. The expansion will add capacity needed to support Elanco’s growth in monoclonal antibody (mAb) innovation.

“The continued investment by Elanco speaks to our state’s pro-business economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Elanco’s expansion not only is creating new job opportunities but adding to the unparalleled economic momentum that has made Kansas the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family.”

“Expanding the capabilities at our Elwood manufacturing site is a critical step toward executing the most exciting pipeline in Elanco’s 70-year history,” Elanco Manufacturing and Quality Executive Vice President Grace McArdle said. “In partnership with our Elanco R&D colleagues, this site plays a key role in delivering solutions that are transforming the way veterinarians and pet owners care for the world’s animals. We appreciate the commitment of the State of Kansas, Doniphan County and the City of Elwood to help pets live longer, healthier, more active lives.”

The facility expansion will position Elanco to optimally serve customer demands, improving lead times for project development and commercialization. Design-build firm Burns & McDonnell, headquartered in Kansas City, is leading the expansion project as the primary provider of integrated design and construction services.

“Sitting in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, Kansas is a powerhouse in this critical sector – attracting companies from across the nation and around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Elanco is an excellent example of the top-notch employers the Kelly-Toland Administration is committed to partnering with as we grow the state economy.”

With an R&D strategy centered around consistent flow of high-impact innovation in key markets, Elanco is one of only two companies in the animal health industry offering monoclonals on the market today.

“Doniphan County is thrilled to witness the remarkable growth and expansion of Elanco Animal Health in Elwood, Kansas. This achievement underscores the strength and potential of our local economy. Elanco’s commitment to innovation and excellence not only brings new jobs and opportunities to our county but also reinforces Elwood’s position as a hub for animal health industries. We are proud to support Elanco’s ongoing success and look forward to a prosperous future together,” said Adrienne Neibling, Economic Development Consultant for Doniphan County.

“Evergy is proud to build on its strong business relationship with Elanco as they expand their northeast Kansas facility,” Chuck Caisley, Evergy Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer said. “We are focused on providing affordable, reliable electricity that powers our customers and makes our service area attractive for new and expanding businesses. Elanco is an important part of the growing Animal Health Corridor and a valued Evergy customer.”

The KC region is located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, encompassing 56 percent of global animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales. Representing more than 300 animal health companies in the region, the KC Animal Health Corridor, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, offers an unparalleled ecosystem for growth and collaboration.

“Elanco Animal Health’s investment in its Kansas facility furthers its commitment of innovation from the center of the global animal health industry,” said Kimberly Young, President of the KC Animal Health Corridor.

About Elanco

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ sustainability pillars – all to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise. | elanco.com

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)

Kansas City Celebrates Thriving Global Investment at KC SmartPort’s Annual Industry Briefing

650+ industrial business leaders joined the event to learn about global economic trends and how KC’s status as an industrial hub positions the region for success

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – April 10, 2024 – KC SmartPort, the industrial-focused affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, hosted its annual industry briefing today, focused on the Kansas City region as a center for global investment.

The event brought together more than 650 industrial leaders from around the region and beyond, gaining insights from industry experts and KC SmartPort leadership on the future of global investment in North America and its impact on U.S. industrial development, supply chain and workforce trends.

North American project activity is booming across industries and regions, and foreign direct investment (FDI) is a core component of this activity. For 12 years, the U.S. has ranked as the world’s top destination for FDI, with growing opportunities for reshoring and nearshoring. Renowned global economist and featured speaker at KC SmartPort’s Annual Industry Briefing, Bernard Baumohl, shared insight on these trends and what industry leaders can expect in the near future.

“Construction spending in U.S. manufacturing has taken off since the passage of legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS Act, contributing to growing economic activity that’s gaining ever-more attention from companies around the globe,” said Baumohl. “The significant growth in U.S. jobs is attributable to reshoring and an increase in FDI, with U.S. employment in manufacturing now exceeding pre-pandemic months – and that will continue to rise.”

Companies from around the world are finding Kansas City to be a highly attractive choice to locate or expand their businesses. Ranked as a top 15 U.S. city for foreign business, the market offers robust infrastructure, a strong transportation network, a skilled workforce and a business-friendly foreign trade zone.

“Industrial corporations from around the world are seeking the best ways to optimize their operations, looking more and more at North America. Cost of power and labor, supply chain disruptions and government policies all play into companies’ decision of where to invest and grow,” said David Hickey, global managing director of Hickey & Associates and featured speaker at the event. “The strategic advantages of Kansas City including prime location and transportation infrastructure position it well for continued foreign direct investment.”

“Kansas City is rising as a global leader in the industrial market, recognized as a top 15 U.S. industrial market,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. “With more than 190,000 employees in the region and the ability to reach 90% of the contiguous U.S. in two days or less, the Kansas City region is an ideal choice for global enterprises to invest and innovate.”

The Kansas City region has attracted several globally recognized brands in the past five years, including Google, Panasonic, Meta, URBN, Ace Hardware, TAB Batteries and more.

About KC SmartPort

KC SmartPort, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, is the authority on logistics opportunities in the Kansas City region. As KC’s regional economic development organization that attracts industrial into the market, KC SmartPort has helped bring more than 13,000 jobs, $624 million in payroll and $8 billion capital investment totaling 21.1 million square feet to the KC region in the last five years. | KCSmartPort.com