OpenStore Selects Kansas City Market for First Fulfillment Center
December 2024 PULSE eNewsletter | KC SmartPort
Openstore Selects KC region for $5 Million E-Commerce Fulfillment Center
OpenStore, a leading e-commerce platform and the largest operator of Shopify businesses, announced its first-ever fulfillment center in Kansas City, Missouri. The 113,000-square-foot facility, located at Executive Park Logistics Center, represents a $5 million investment and will create 46 new jobs over the next five years.
“This expansion not only enhances our operational capabilities but also positions us to better serve our customers while implementing technology-driven fulfillment solutions,” said David Reifschneider, head of supply chain at OpenStore.
KC’s New Airport Terminal: A Gateway to Regional Growth
Kansas City’s newly renovated international airport continues to drive economic growth across the two-state region. Since its opening in early 2023, the terminal has been a catalyst for both public and private investments.
The $1.5 billion single-terminal airport serves as a front door to the region and is the biggest infrastructure project in the city’s history. It also ranked third for overall customer satisfaction in the most recent North American Airport Satisfaction Study.
Manufacturing, E-commerce Expansions Create Nearly 300 Jobs In Missouri
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)
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
Hot Topics Shaping the Next Era of HR
It’s hard out here for an HR pro – and the TeamKC network is here to help.
At the latest TeamKC Roundtable, attendees tackled their most pressing hot topics, from leveraging cutting-edge tech tools to building people-first workforce strategies. Together, KC’s talent leaders shared actionable insights on creating thriving, innovative workplaces in the region.
Here’s a snapshot of the key takeaways:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Are You In? While 81% of HR leaders are exploring or implementing AI solutions, only 41% of business leaders feel they’re adequately educating employees about its benefits. Dive into more stats like this in the TeamKC Scouting Report.
- Infinite Possibilities: From drafting job descriptions to crafting candidate communications, companies are experimenting with AI. However, security concerns mean some companies restrict AI use on workplace devices.
- The Verdict: AI is a tool, not a replacement. Attendees agreed it’s here to enhance — not replace — human work.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
- Connecting People & Culture: Whether they’re called ERGs, Belonging Groups or Affinity Groups, these initiatives build bridges across workplace culture.
- Listen to Your Team: Many companies develop ERGs based on employee needs and interests.
- Grow Your Leaders: Empower employees to lead, foster cross-department connections and ensure your efforts reflect authenticity.
Visa Sponsorship
- Creative Sourcing: Hard-to-fill roles often require out-of-the-box strategies, including considering foreign nationals.
- Navigating Complexity: The career journey for foreign hires can be challenging. Larger companies may have in-house counsel, while smaller organizations can seek external partners for guidance.
- Need Help? TeamKC is here to connect you with resources for visa sponsorship discussions.
Marketing Kansas City
- It’s All About Who You Know: From housing to connecting trailing family members with local resources, utilize trusted TeamKC partners for a seamless relocation experience.
- Make it Your Own: Whether you’re a KC pro or new to the region, TeamKC offers customizable resources to amplify your recruitment strategy.
- Give Them All the Feels: Check out and share the Harmony & Hustle video with your candidates considering the market.
A huge thank you to Spark Coworking – Kansas City for hosting this engaging event and to J29 for taking photos of the group!
Discover more tools, resources and opportunities to join the conversation — connect with TeamKC today.
Engineering His Own Future
How one KC transplant has found his groove.
By Randy Mason
Like many of us, Godfrey Echekwu is a big fan of tacos and barbecue. Like some of us, he hits the gym early before heading to his job in the city. Unlike many of us, he faced and overcame the challenges of coming to a new country just eight years ago.
Godfrey was 18 when his family moved from Nigeria to Jefferson City, Missouri. He enrolled at Lincoln University and turned his sights to engineering.
“I had a teacher who told us a civil engineer could get a job anywhere,” he recalls.
That led him to the University of Missouri Science & Technology in Rolla, Missouri. After an internship with Kansas City’s Turner Construction, Godfrey joined the company full-time as a civil engineer.
“People are surprised that I’m only 26, but I’m good at learning from other’s mistakes. I just don’t like to fail.”
And his time isn’t spent in just an office — he endures freezing temperatures and heat waves to be in the middle of the action throughout the process.
“You need to know how a building is built,” he says. “That means not just sitting in a trailer or inside the office. You’ve got to learn how to keep learning.”
Godfrey lives on the Kansas side of the state line with friends from college. The drive to his office takes 20 to 30 minutes — that is, once he’s finished his 4 a.m. workout at Lifetime Fitness.
It’s a routine that Godfrey picked up at school, and it includes trying to eat well, too. “I never get tired of plantains,” he says while admitting that a good taco is hard to resist. As for his favorite… Carniceria y Tortilleria in Kansas City, Kansas, gets the nod.
“As soon as I tasted it,” he grins, “I said, ‘that’s the one.’”
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)
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
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)
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