Category Archives: KCADC

Major food processing center and cold storage facility to open in Kansas City

Kansas City, Mo. – January 23, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that West Liberty Foods will open a food processing center in Kansas City, Missouri, attached to a supporting cold storage facility to be developed by Vertical Cold Storage. The companies are expected to invest a combined $199.6 million in capital investment and create 583 jobs, with $39.7 million in payroll.

The food processing center and cold storage facility, a combined 327,000 sq. ft., will be directly connected and support the production of grab-and-go sandwiches. The facilities will be located at the I-49 Industrial Center within the 49 Crossing industrial zone.

“Missouri is home to nearly 400 food companies, and we are excited to welcome West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage to our state’s robust food and agricultural network,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “When a company selects Missouri for a new facility, we understand it’s a major decision, and we are committed to their success in our state. We are looking forward to watching these two companies grow right here in Missouri.”

“As we continue working to grow all parts of our city, Kansas City is pleased to welcome West Liberty Foods to our community as it puts down roots in south Kansas City,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Not only will West Liberty Foods bring hundreds of new good-paying jobs to Kansas City, it will put to good use the former Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, and help to spur further development in Martin City.”

West Liberty Foods ranks as one of North America’s top 50 protein processors, producing nearly 650 million pounds of food product each year for grocery stores and restaurants across the United States. Headquartered in Iowa, with additional production facilities in Utah and Illinois, the new Kansas City facility represents the company’s first expansion into Missouri.

The accompanying cold storage space will be operated by Vertical Cold Storage, which provides comprehensive cold storage services for frozen and refrigerated foods. It will be the company’s sixth location nationwide.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our signature protein offerings with our new premade grab-and-go sandwich program,” said Brandon Achen, CEO of West Liberty Foods. “Based on its proximity to key stakeholders for the project, Kansas City is the ideal location to house our newest technology, and we look forward to the growth this area has to offer.”

“Not only is Kansas City a leading logistics hub, it is also an exceptional place to live and work. West Liberty Foods’ decision to place a world-class facility in our community is proof that we are growing a community for all. Port KC has led the efforts to transform 49 Crossing, the industrial zone that includes I-49 Industrial Center, into a thriving area for more than 5,000 quality jobs in south Kansas City,” said Jon Stephens, president & CEO of Port KC.

Kansas City’s location has contributed to the continued attraction of food and beverage companies to the region, which ranks No. 8 among the top 50 food manufacturing markets in the U.S. for three-year job growth.

“At EDCKC, one of our main focuses is job creation,” said Steven Anthony, executive director of business development at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “This addition of almost 600 new, well-paying jobs is a great economic driver for KCMO.”

The Kansas City region, where 85% of the U.S. population can be reached in two days or less, has experienced rapid growth as a food and beverage logistics hub for the U.S. in the last several years.

“More than 675 industrial food and beverage companies call the KC region home, thanks to our proximity to key agriculture markets, advanced logistics infrastructure and strong industry-specific talent pipeline,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “With nearly 27,000 people employed in the food and beverage industry and a robust network of industrial assets, Kansas City can support leading companies like West Liberty Foods and Vertical Cold Storage with the resources they need to thrive.”

In the last two years, the Kansas City region has attracted food and beverage companies pledging to create more than 1,800 jobs, invest over $486 million and occupy nearly 4.2 million square feet.

About West Liberty Foods

Founded in 1996 under the guiding principles of the Iowa Turkey Growers Cooperative and recognized as one of the top 50 protein processors in North America, West Liberty Foods is a food company who manufactures signature meat and poultry products that can be found in well-known grocery stores and top restaurant chains nationwide. For more information, please visit www.wlfoods.com.

About Vertical Cold Storage

Vertical Cold Storage is a full-service logistics solution provider focused on building, developing and operating temperature-controlled facilities. Vertical Cold emphasizes customer care and the satisfaction of supply chain professionals while deploying industry-leading technology. More information is available at www.verticalcold.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 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” The KC region is a center for leading industries including technology, logistics, animal health and entrepreneurship, and is home to a renowned arts community. | www.KC.org

URBN to open 604,000-sq.-ft. fulfillment facility in KC region for clothing rental brand, Nuuly

Raymore, Mo. – January 17, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that URBN will establish a new fulfillment center for its clothing rental brand, Nuuly, in the KC region.

The multinational lifestyle retail corporation plans to locate its fulfillment and laundry facility at the Raymore Commerce Center in Raymore, Missouri, developed by VanTrust Real Estate and marketed by Colliers, pending completion of all state and local approvals and agreements.

The company is expected to invest $60 million in the Nuuly fulfillment center and create 750 jobs within five years.

“Nuuly has experienced significant growth since our launch in 2019,” said Dave Hayne, Chief Technology Officer of URBN and President of Nuuly. “We are excited to open our second U.S. fulfillment center to support our next phase of growth, and proud to work with the State of Missouri and the City of Raymore to bring new jobs to the Kansas City region.”

Nuuly is a subscription rental clothing service for women who love fashion and exploring how to wear, buy and sell it in ways that are gentler on the planet — and their wallets. Nuuly offers over 15,000 styles from over 300 designer and contemporary brands, including Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

“Missouri is a strategic choice for companies like Nuuly that are searching for a location in the middle of America for their expansion projects,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “Missouri is winning more large-scale projects than ever before, and we’re carrying that tremendous momentum into 2023. We look forward to welcoming URBN to the long list of global powerhouses in Missouri.”

URBN’s new Nuuly facility represents a growing presence in the Kansas City region. In 2020, the company announced its plans to establish a $403 million, 1.5 million square-foot omni-channel fulfillment center in Kansas City, Kansas, which celebrated a ribbon cutting in October 2022.

“Since our initial contact and conversations with URBN, we knew they would be great community partners,” said City of Raymore Mayor Kris Turnbow. “We are excited for the opportunity to continue our strong relationship and have them be a part of Raymore’s continued success.”

“As URBN’s second fulfillment center in the KC region, the Nuuly facility reinforces our area as a top U.S. logistics hub,” said Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Global supply chain demand is ever-increasing, and the KC region’s central location, robust infrastructure and access to skilled workforce continue to attract leading brands to our region. We are excited to see URBN’s ongoing growth here.”

The Kansas City region is a leading North American logistics hub and key location for distribution and e-commerce, with abundant access to rail, air, water and road transportation. As the crossroads of North America, 85% of the U.S. population can be reached from a Kansas City location in two days or less.

About URBN

Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) is a leading lifestyle products and services company which operates a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, FP Movement, Terrain, Urban Outfitters, Nuuly and Menus & Venues brands. The Company’s brands offer lifestyle-oriented general merchandise and consumer products through 644 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, global websites, and catalogs. Free People, FP Movement and Urban Outfitters wholesale sell their products through department and specialty stores worldwide, digital businesses and the Company’s Retail segment. | www.URBN.com

About Nuuly

Nuuly is a curated destination for anyone who loves fashion and is exploring how to wear, buy and sell it in ways that are gentler on the planet—and their wallets. Customers can choose to engage with the Nuuly brand in multiple ways—through a monthly rental subscription with Nuuly Rent, which offers 1,000s of styles from more than 300 designer and contemporary brands, including Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie; by buying or selling secondhand through Nuuly Thrift, a peer-to-peer resale marketplace; or both. | www.nuuly.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 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. | onekc.org

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” The KC region is a center for leading industries including technology, logistics, animal health and entrepreneurship, and is home to a renowned arts community. | www.KC.org

KCADC Annual Meeting 2022 Makes a Splash with Record Year for Business Attraction

At its 2022 Annual Meeting, KCADC announced a record-breaking year for the region, attracting companies that will invest more than $5.6 billion in capital investment, resulting in $354 million in payroll and nearly 6,000 jobs. The news made headlines throughout the region.

Local Media Recap

Kansas City Area Development Council Announces Record-Breaking Year, Attracting 13 New Companies to the KC Region, Including Megaprojects Meta and Panasonic

Kansas City Region – November 9, 2022 – The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) announced today a record-breaking year for the region, attracting companies that will invest more than $5.6 billion in capital investment, resulting in $354 million in payroll and nearly 6,000 jobs. 

The standout year is six times more than KCADC’s historical annual investment success, and over the last decade, the organization’s business attraction efforts are an equal split across the two-state, 18-county region. 

Themed “Level Up,” the event is the region’s largest business luncheon and brought together nearly 2,000 top corporate and civic partners to celebrate KC’s many recent successes that are transforming the market.

“It takes all of us to make the KC region better, and KCADC does its part to lead and contribute to its share of regional successes,” said Brian Roberts, Co-Chair of the KCADC Board of Directors and EVP, Chief Operating Officer – Midwest Series at Lockton Companies. “The strategic investments KCADC has made for decades to elevate our region’s business and lifestyle strengths benefit not only companies considering our region, but provide support and return to companies that are already here.”

In 2022, KCADC, with its partners from across the region, attracted 13 companies, expanding KC’s strengths in manufacturing and distribution, animal health, technology, data centers and more. 

“What’s happening in KC isn’t just about any one individual, company or community. It’s about all of us working together to create the best KC possible,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “We are in a tremendous position to take advantage of the opportunities right before us. Making incremental progress each and every day leads to major success, and that’s happening in KC right now.”

This year’s record-breaking business attraction included two megaprojects: Meta’s $800 million hyperscale data center, and Panasonic Energy of North America’s $4 billion EV battery plant. Executives from both Meta and Panasonic spoke at the event, discussing the benefits of the Kansas City region that resulted in the attraction of these megaprojects. 

“Congratulations to Kansas City on a year of significant growth. Meta is proud to be part of it,” said Katie Comer, head of data center community development at Meta. “We’re committed to playing a positive role in Kansas City and investing in its long-term vitality, and we look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with KCADC and our other community partners for years to come.”

“In addition to its skilled talent and central location, Kansas values many of the same principles in which Panasonic was founded on, including cooperation, gratitude and contributing to society,” said Allan Swan, president of Panasonic Energy of North America. “We could not be more excited to work together and invest in this community as we strive to advance EV battery manufacturing capacity and innovation in America.”

To further the momentum across KC Heartland, KCADC announced a $10,000 contribution to Parade of Hearts which recently announced its plans to continue in 2023. The community art initiative displayed 150+ KC heart sculptures across the metro this year, raising more than $2.5 million to support aspects of the region most impacted by the pandemic. 

To get involved in KCADC, learn more about the region’s business and talent attraction strategies at onekc.org.

About KCADC

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) serves the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area by marketing the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies 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-plus-year history. Leading the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Heartland and KC Global Design, KCADC’s clients consistently rank the organization as the No. 1 regional economic development group in the nation. | onekc.org

Panasonic’s Announcement of EV Battery Factory in the KC Region Makes Global Headlines

Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., announced in July 2022 its plans to build a one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities of its kind in the United States in De Soto, Kansas, representing a $4 billion investment and 4,000 jobs. The news shined a global spotlight on the KC region, drawing a massive number of views and significant engagement.

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Kansas Lands Panasonic Energy for $4B Electric Vehicle Battery Megaproject

Governor Laura Kelly Successfully Wins Largest Economic Development Project in State History

Topeka, Kan. – July 13, 2022 – Today, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., plans to build one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities of its kind in the United States in Kansas. Pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors, the company has identified a site in De Soto for the potential project.

The planned project is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of up to $4 billion, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. The development will have ripple effects throughout the regional and state economy, supporting an estimated 4,000 additional jobs created by suppliers and community businesses and 16,500 construction jobs as cited in an independent Wichita State University economic impact study.

“As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country, this project will be transformative for our state’s economy, providing in total 8,000 high-quality jobs that will help more Kansans create better lives for themselves and their children,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Winning this project has shown that Kansas has what it takes to compete on a global scale — and that our pro-business climate is driving the technological innovation needed to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

This planned state-of-the-art facility will create and supply lithium-ion batteries and accelerate the future of electric vehicle innovation on a global scale. Panasonic Energy’s current U.S. battery manufacturing operation has shipped more than six billion EV battery cells. Panasonic Energy plans to expand its production of EV batteries as the automotive industry shifts to more sustainable electric technologies. The proposed development would boost the regional economy, creating opportunities for suppliers and community businesses.

“With the increased electrification of the automotive market, expanding battery production in the U.S. is critical to help meet demand,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy. “Given our leading technology and depth of experience, we aim to continue driving growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating towards a net-zero emissions future.”

Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland noted competition for this milestone project was strong and required a coordinated effort from the state. A key component of that undertaking was the enactment of the bipartisan Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act earlier this year.

“Once Governor Kelly signed APEX into law,” Toland said, “the state gained the necessary economic development tool to pursue megaprojects that could transform the Kansas economy. Panasonic recognized Kansas as not just a contender, but as the ideal partner for this revolutionary project.”

Panasonic Energy selected Kansas due to its business-friendly climate, robust talent pool and workforce skillset, support for technology innovation, strong transportation infrastructure, and central location. This builds on Kansas City’s legacy manufacturing and automotive industry strengths.

“With this major development, Kansas is being recognized around the world for our talented workforce, innovative environment and quality of life,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.). “Panasonic will bring thousands of good-paying, high-quality jobs to our state which will be a massive economic benefit for local businesses and our communities for decades to come. With the goal of making Kansas a destination for industry, defense, education, science, technology, engineering, and innovation, we will keep our students, their knowledge and intellect in Kansas.”

Kansas has an established battery manufacturing sector with seven establishments employing approximately 1,300 individuals. The state was ranked second in the nation for employment and wage concentration in the sector in 2021. With the opportunity to potentially add an additional 4,000 jobs, this deal will make Kansas an industry leader at a time when the sector is predicted to grow at an annualized rate of 2.4 percent.

“Kansas is proving itself to be an attractive place where entrepreneurs can unleash innovation and create jobs,” said Senator Ty Masterson, President of the Kansas Senate. “The Panasonic announcement shows that attraction is global.”

“When the Kansas Legislature passed the APEX legislation, this was the kind of megaproject we had in mind,” said Representative Ron Ryckman, Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives.

The proposed Panasonic project is the latest economic development win recently announced by the state:

  • Last month, Governor Kelly said the state surpassed $9 billion new, private-sector investments since January 2019 resulting in more than 43,500 jobs being created or retained.
  • Also in June, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel Award  for the second year in a row. The back-to-back wins are unprecedented in state history.
  • In March, Kansas won the Governor’s Cup from Site Selection Magazine for having the country’s most economic development investment per capita.

“On behalf of the City Council and the community, I am thrilled to welcome Panasonic Energy to De Soto. The scale of Panasonic Energy’s investment in our community will usher in unprecedented generational economic prosperity for the state and region,” said De Soto Mayor Rick Walker. “We are honored to be part of it.”

The Kansas City region is the third fastest-growing tech market in the U.S. and is a nucleus of engineering, technology, and automotive manufacturing expertise. With a strong talent pipeline and cutting-edge training programs, the Kansas City market employs nearly 21,000 workers who contribute to the $19 billion KC transportation manufacturing industry.

“Panasonic Energy made the right choice to select the Kansas City region due to our market’s strengths in EV and tech innovation,” said Tim Cowden, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “This announcement, alongside FIFA’s selection of KC as 2026 World Cup host city, our new single-terminal airport coming online and global tech companies investing in the market, reinforces the transformational success our region is having on a global scale.”

“The electric vehicle industry is expected to grow eight times its size in less than 10 years, which is an incredible opportunity for states, communities and energy partners to support leading, innovative technology companies,” said David Campbell, President and CEO of Evergy. On behalf of our region’s business community, we are very excited to welcome Panasonic Energy to Kansas, and we look forward to supporting your long-term success.”

The following organizations supported the recruitment of Panasonic Energy to Kansas: Kansas Department of Commerce; Kansas Department of Transportation; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Department of Children and Families; the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan; the U.S. Embassy to Tokyo; Children’s Cabinet; City of De Soto; De Soto Economic Development Council; Evergy; Sunflower Redevelopment; KC SmartPort; Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; Johnson County Community College; Kansas City, Kansas Community College; Peaslee Tech; University of Kansas; Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Kessinger Hunter; and Kansas City Area Development Council.

About Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.

Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe, reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas, from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability, and through its business activities the Company aims to address societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives. For more details, please visit panasonic.com/global/energy

About Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine. | KansasCommerce.gov

About KCADC

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) serves the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area by marketing the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 60,000 new jobs over its 40-plus-year history. Leading the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Heartland and KC Global Design, KCADC’s clients consistently rank the organization as the No. 1 economic development group in the nation. | onekc.org

About Greater Kansas City

Home to 2.6 million people, the Kansas City region is centrally located in the heart of America and boasts a diverse industry base supported by robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce. A center for manufacturing, technology and logistics, KC is named the No. 2 North American auto industry trading hub and ranks a 2022 Top 10 Hottest Job Markets. | KC.org