Americold Announces Plans for First Cold Storage Facility Co-Located on CPKC Rail Network

Facility in Kansas City will help connect key U.S. Midwest and Mexico markets

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – February 22, 2024 – Americold Realty Trust, a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate and value-added services, today announced plans to develop its first facility, pending local approvals, through a strategic collaboration with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to co-locate Americold warehouse facilities on the CPKC network.

“Americold’s selection of Kansas City for its new facility is another example of Missouri’s ability to attract leading businesses,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company’s decision speaks to the value of our strategic location, skilled workforce and superior infrastructure. We look forward to Americold’s success as it strengthens supply chains for international trade and brings new investment to the Kansas City region.”

Americold is investing $127 million in the 335,000-square-foot facility in Kansas City, Missouri. The company plans to create nearly 190 new jobs in the region.

“We are excited to kick off our strategic collaboration with CPKC through our new Kansas City cold storage facility, expanding Americold’s presence in an important U.S. transportation hub,” said George Chappelle, CEO of Americold. “Combining our cold storage capabilities with CPKC’s extensive rail network enables Americold to deliver a differentiated offering to support more customers across North America. We look forward to further collaboration with CPKC to provide world-class service to more customers and strengthen the food supply chain.”

“Americold’s Kansas City facility marks the first of many new Americold warehouse facilities we intend to see built on the CPKC network as part of our strategic collaboration,” said Keith Creel, CPKC president and CEO. “Our unmatched Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) premium intermodal service will enable Americold customers to transport goods between the U.S. and Mexico more efficiently and effectively than ever before. We look forward to continuing to grow with Americold as we support the cold storage ecosystem.”

The new facility will support CPKC’s Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) service, North America’s only single-line rail service offering for refrigerated shippers between U.S. Midwest markets and Mexico. It will also enable more seamless and efficient service for MMX customers.

“Kansas City has a rich history as a center for commerce,” said Steven Anthony, Vice President of Business Development of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “We’re at a natural crossroads for connection, so this feels like a great strategic move for Americold. Plus, we’re thrilled to be bringing nearly 190 well-paying new jobs to our great City.”

“As the most centrally located major U.S. market, Kansas City is a key industrial and transportation hub for North America,” said Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Americold’s selection of Kansas City for its first facility in partnership with CPKC reinforces our region as a top choice for operational efficiency.”

Pending local approvals, the company plans to begin construction in the first half of 2024.

“Thanks to the contributions of our partners and our state’s economic advantages, this innovative company is creating even more opportunities for Missourians to prosper in Kansas City,” said Michelle Hataway, acting director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

“Americold is a leader in temperature-controlled storage and distribution, and we are proud to welcome them to our state’s large network of more than 20,000 distribution and logistics companies,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Positioned in the center of North America and boasting the second-lowest cost of doing business, Missouri stands out as a prime choice for global corporations like Americold.”


About Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

Americold is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics real estate and value-added services. Focused on the ownership, operation, acquisition, and development of temperature-controlled warehouses, Americold owns and/or operates 243 temperature-controlled warehouses, with approximately 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet of storage, in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. Americold’s facilities are an integral component of the supply chain connecting food producers, processors, distributors, and retailers to consumers.

Eastern Airlines Selects Kansas City for New Headquarters Location

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – February 21, 2024 – Today, The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, MO (EDCKC) and its partners announced that Eastern Airlines, LLC (Eastern) selected Kansas City, Missouri, for its new headquarters location.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to growth, innovation and expanding its presence in the heart of the United States.

The company has had a presence in Kansas City since 2021 when it purchased a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, Alta Aero Technic, LLC, and formed a passenger-to-freighter design company called Foxtrot Aero, LLC. The move of Eastern’s headquarters consolidates all of its operations to Kansas City located at 11500 N Ambassador Drive in Platte County near the Kansas City International Airport.

“Eastern Air Holdings has had a great experience operating two other businesses at MCI, Alta Aero Technic and Foxtrot. Kansas City and its airport have a great legacy in our industry. We did look at a number of cities to rebase our headquarters, but the enthusiasm of Missouri and the city combined with the generous assistance of the Missouri Works program made our decision easy. The new terminal and our experience proved that it is a metropolitan area investing in its future, and we are proud to be a part of the new airport community,” said Stephen Buscher, Eastern Airlines Chief Financial Officer.

Eastern Airlines, with a rich history dating back to 1926, has been a symbol of excellence in air travel for decades. As the airline industry continues to evolve, Eastern is taking proactive steps to position itself for the future while honoring its legacy.

In mid-January 2024, Eastern announced its acquisition of Hillwood Airways and its fleet of passenger and cargo Boeing 737s, adding to its fleet of B767 and B777 aircraft. While Eastern Airlines is a certified 121 airline authorized to offer scheduled service (domestic and international), the company is focused on business-to-business charter operations, with a particular focus on U.S. government work.

“We applaud Eastern Airlines’ decision to relocate to Kansas City and look forward to its growth in the area,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “Our state’s advantages, including a strategic central location, low costs, and skilled workforce, continue to result in investments from leading companies. Eastern Airlines’ new headquarters is a complement to Kansas City’s new airport terminal and another example of our state’s ability to attract businesses that are creating new opportunities for Missourians.”

The decision to locate Eastern’s headquarters to Kansas City was carefully considered and aligns with the company’s long-term vision. The move will boost the local economy, creating 165 new jobs – ranging from maintenance professionals, and pilots, to flight operations personnel – with an average salary of $96,000.

The transition of the company’s headquarters in Wayne, Pennsylvania, to Kansas City at the end of 2023 was a $4.7 million capital investment.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Eastern Airlines,” said Steven Anthony, Vice President of Business Development at EDCKC. “With a rich history of aviation in Kansas City, Eastern Airlines is a welcomed addition to our expanding economy.”

With a business-friendly environment and a strong transportation infrastructure, Eastern Airlines will benefit from Kansas City, Missouri’s skilled workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure and central location in the U.S.

“Kansas City is an ideal location for Eastern Airlines to establish its new headquarters, offering accessibility to the rest of the country and a strong network of community partners and resources,” said Jill McCarthy, senior vice president of corporate attraction at KCADC. “More and more, companies are choosing KC for their headquarters, and we’re excited to see Eastern Airlines join that growing list.”

The following organizations helped bring Eastern Airlines to Kansas City: State of Missouri; Missouri Department of Economic Development; Platte County Economic Development Council; City of Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City Aviation Department; Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City Missouri; Kansas City Area Development Council; TeamKC Life + Talent; CBRE; Colliers; Evergy; and Spire.


About Eastern Airlines

Eastern Airlines has a rich history dating back to 1926 and has been a symbol of excellence in air travel for decades. As the airline industry continues to evolve, Eastern is taking proactive steps to position itself for the future while honoring its legacy. In mid-January 2024, Eastern announced its acquisition of Hillwood Airways and its fleet of passenger and cargo Boeing 737s, adding to its fleet of B767 and B777 aircraft. While Eastern Airlines is a certified 121 airline authorized to offer scheduled service (domestic and international), the company is focused on business-to-business charter operations, with a particular focus on U.S. government work, notably repositioning of troops for the Department of Defense domestically and internationally as a member of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), as well as other government agencies. At any given time, Eastern has 10-15 aircraft parked at its hangar facilities at MCI and is actively working to expand its fleet, with aspirations to grow its footprint over time in Kansas City. To learn more, visit www.iflyea.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.org

URBN Opens $60 Million Fulfillment Center In Missouri For Rental Brand Nuuly

The 600,000-square-foot facility marks Nuuly’s second fulfillment and laundry facility and is expected to create 750 jobs in the Kansas City region

RAYMORE, Mo. – February 20, 2024 – Urban Outfitters, Inc., the leading lifestyle products and services company whose portfolio includes Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People, commenced operations today at its new 600,000-square-foot fulfillment center for Nuuly, the company’s women’s clothing rental brand, in Raymore, Missouri.

“The opening of URBN’s new facility is an exciting moment for the company, the Kansas City region, and our state,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Missouri’s economic strengths are continuing to result in significant investments from world-class employers. We’re proud to see URBN beginning operations in Raymore and look forward to the lasting, positive impact it will provide for Missourians.”

URBN is investing $60 million in two phases of work over a five-year period to build a second Nuuly fulfillment and laundry facility, which is expected to create 750 jobs over the next five years and will provide the company with capacity to triple its active subscriber base, following an exceptionally strong year. 

“Nuuly has experienced unprecedented growth and momentum, and we are excited to expand our operations to the Kansas City region to support our next phase of growth,” said David Hayne, Chief Technology Officer of URBN and President of Nuuly. “Opening our second U.S. fulfillment center will allow us to grow well into the future.”

The new facility is a cutting-edge fulfillment center with full laundering and clothing alteration capabilities that will enable Nuuly to optimize its service across the country.

“Since our initial contact and conversations with URBN, we knew they would be great community partners,” said Mayor Kris Turnbow. “We are excited about working with them and having them in Raymore.”

“We’re excited to celebrate the opening of URBN’s Nuuly fulfillment center, the company’s second facility in the KC region,” said Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “An industrial hub with robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, the KC region remains a top destination for leading brands, and we look forward to URBN’s ongoing success here.”

Since launching in 2019, Nuuly has become the leading subscription rental clothing service for women and currently offers over 19,000 styles from more than 400 designer and contemporary brands, including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People.

“We’re thrilled to join URBN, the city of Raymore, and our partners in celebrating the opening of this new facility,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re grateful for all those who supported URBN as it joins a growing list of innovative companies that are investing in our state and helping Missourians prosper.”

“URBN’s strategic choice to open its new facility in Missouri further underscores the state’s unparalleled advantages,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Missouri’s central location in the heart of the nation, coupled with our robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, makes the state an ideal hub for businesses seeking efficiency and connectivity. We are thrilled to welcome renowned global retailer URBN to Missouri, and we are confident their presence will not only enhance the local economy but also leverage the state’s business advantages for their continued success.”

Nuuly’s new facility is located at the Raymore Commerce Center, which was developed by VanTrust Real Estate.


About URBN

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) is a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, FP Movement, Terrain, Urban Outfitters, Nuuly, and Menus & Venues. URBN Leads with Creativity… and since 1970, URBN has inspired customers through a creative and entrepreneurial approach to products, services, and experiences. To learn more visit: www.urbn.com

About Nuuly

Since 1970, URBN has encouraged customers to express themselves through their wardrobes and the spaces they keep. Nuuly is the latest extension of this mission—an experience that gives customers access to more of the clothes and brands they love through a monthly rental subscription. Nuuly stocks thousands of styles from hundreds of brands for all of life’s occasions—from the special to the everyday, from work to vacations, and everything in between. For more information, visit www.nuuly.com and follow @nuuly on Instagram. Press inquiries directed to press@nuuly.com.

About Missouri Partnership

Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri’s business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 33,100+ new jobs, $1.7 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $6.4 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, American Foods Group, Casey’s, Chewy, Inc., James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

Health Care Data Transformation Company Selects Kansas City for Headquarters

Congratulations to our partners in Kansas City, Missouri, on Hart, Inc.’s relocation of its headquarters from Orange County, California. The new offices, located in the River Market district, will create 35 high-paying jobs, representing more than $3 million in annual payroll.

The Kansas City Area Development Council was proud to partner with the following organizations in attracting Hart, Inc., to the KC region:

City of Kansas City, Missouri
Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City
Digital Health KC
Evergy
Spire, Inc.

Read the News Release

Hart, Inc., a Health Care Technology Company, Selects Kansas City for New Headquarters to Support Clients Leading the Industry

Kansas City, Mo. – January 18, 2024  – Hart, Inc., will locate its new national headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, announced local officials. An innovative health care data transformation company that helps to access and unify information for health care service providers and clients, Hart serves major industry companies that include Oracle Health, Netsmart and Baptist Health.

“We are thrilled to announce the relocation of our headquarters to Kansas City. This is a strategic decision that aligns with our commitment to innovation and growth. Kansas City’s thriving digital health ecosystem provides a foundation for us to tap into cutting-edge resources, foster collaborative partnerships and drive advancements in health care data transformation. This move positions us at the forefront of a dynamic community, bolstering our efforts to make health care data more accessible, and we could not be more excited,” said Dominique Gross, CEO of Hart.

Originally founded in 2012 in Orange County, California, transitioning to Kansas City will allow Hart direct access to key clients located in the region. The new headquarters, located in the River Market district, will create 35 high-paying jobs representing more than $3 million in annual payroll. 

“Hart will join more than 100 digital health companies located in the region,” said Dick Flanigan, CEO of Digital Health KC. “From startups to large enterprises, the companies in the Kansas City market are working to solve health care’s toughest challenges through the power of information technology.”

Kansas City is at the center of health care and data, with 25,000 experienced professionals working in digital health. Firms throughout the area are continuously innovating in the areas of virtual care, health data management and visualization, health care analytics and more.

“Kansas City is on a roll,” said Steven Anthony, Vice President of Business Development with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “Our economy and specifically our digital health sector has seen tremendous growth in recent years and it’s rewarding to see Hart, Inc. adding to that momentum.” 

Several of the tech industry’s most recognizable brands are headquartered in the KC region, including Garmin, H&R Block, T-Mobile and VML, and in 2023, the region was recognized as a federal “tech hub” of elite innovation and advanced research and development.

“With more than 100,000 people employed in the region’s tech sector, digital health is a critical industry hiding in plain sight in KC,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “The legacy of digital health companies in the region and the innovation coming out of this sector creates opportunities for our market to attract companies, including Hart, that are building the next generation of digital health technology.”


About Hart, Inc.

Founded in 2012 in Orange County, CA, Hart is a health care technology company focused on enhancing health systems through state-of-the-art data management solutions. Our mission is to connect, organize, and elevate the value of health care data. With compatibility across over 400 EHR systems, Hart provides reliable data transformation, significantly improving the quality and accessibility of health care information. At Hart, we are dedicated to making data accessible for every patient, allowing for improved care and better outcomes. For more information visit hart.com.

About the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City

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.org

Industrial Battery Manufacturer to Open U.S. Headquarters and Assembly Operation in the KC Region

LIBERTY, Mo. – January 17, 2024 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that TAB, an international manufacturer of industrial, SLI and lithium-ion batteries, selected Liberty, Missouri, for a 66,700-square-foot facility, investing $15 million and creating 50 jobs over the next five years.

As the first North American facility for the company, TAB USA will locate in Building C at Liberty Heartland Logistics Center, an industrial park owned and developed in partnership between The Opus Group and Washington Capital Management, Inc., on behalf of its institutional clients, and represented by Newmark Zimmer.

“The selection of Missouri as the home of TAB USA’s first North American facility reaffirms our state’s strategic advantages for growing companies,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “We have created a pro-business environment that provides stability for businesses as they enter the U.S. market or expand within it. Missouri stands ready to support the growth and success of TAB USA as it embarks on this exciting journey from its new U.S. headquarters.”

In addition to serving as TAB USA’s headquarters, facility operations will also include industrial battery assembly, distribution and sales. The company noted the Kansas City region’s central location and strong workforce as major factors in their selection. The new location will provide TAB USA with proximity to its current North American customer base and the opportunity to distribute products quickly throughout North and South America.

“The new facility in Liberty will allow TAB increased capabilities for distribution throughout North America and access to a skilled local workforce,” said Troy Livingston, CEO of TAB USA. “Whether in our vehicles or homes, batteries and electrical storage are an integral part of daily life, and TAB USA has the products our customers need to successfully power their lives and businesses.”

“With a 60-year history of battery production, this establishment of our U.S. headquarters confirms our legacy as a leading global energy supplier,” said Mag. Bogomir Auprih, Chairman of the Board of TAB. “The Kansas City region is an ideal hub, offering the positive business environment we need to achieve our goals.”

The new facility is projected to open in Q2 of 2024, with TAB USA planning to make additional investments over the first five years of operation to accommodate growth and the need for increased capacity.

Offering a business-friendly environment, strong workforce and robust logistics infrastructure, Liberty continues to attract significant industrial projects, resulting in approximately $1.2 billion in investments and nearly 7,400 jobs in the last two years.

“We are pleased to welcome TAB USA to Liberty as the company’s first facility in North America and as its U.S. headquarters,” said Liberty, Missouri Mayor Greg Canuteson. “This major investment highlights Liberty’s prime location for manufacturing and distribution throughout the United States and our City Council’s dedication to fostering a welcoming business environment.”

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.

“TAB USA’s selection of Liberty, Missouri, for its first North American facility underscores the strategic advantages of the Kansas City region as a leading industrial hub and major attractor of foreign direct investment,” said Elli Bowen, vice president of KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Our region continues to attract companies looking to expand or invest in new operations in North America, thanks to prime access to transportation networks, an established talent pipeline and available Class A industrial product, and we’re excited to see TAB USA join that growing list.”


About TAB

TAB creates durable, powerful and innovative batteries for the industrial and automotive sectors, producing a wide range of flooded lead-acid, VRLA AGM, VRLA Gel, SLI and lithium-ion batteries in locations across the world. Its high-quality batteries are distributed throughout Europe, Asia and North America. | www.tab.si

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.org

2023 KCADC Annual Meeting Ignites Rally Cry to Come Together with “All Heart” as Region Shines on Global Stage

The annual event brought together 2,000 local civic and business leaders to celebrate the region’s successes, including $766 million in capital investment and 2,400+ jobs

KANSAS CITY – Nov. 16, 2023 – Today, the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) hosted the KC region’s largest business luncheon to recognize another high-performing year and rally leaders from across the 18-county region.

In 2023, KCADC and its partners attracted 14 companies to the region, representing $766 million in capital investment, 2,407 jobs, $123 million in wages and 4 million square feet of space. Pointing to major new investments from companies including Ace Hardware, Chick-fil-A Supply, DSM, URBN and more, speakers at the Annual Meeting emphasized that KC’s momentum continues to drive forward.

“When our business community comes together, we all perform better. By creating positive and memorable experiences we attract new jobs and investment to our KC region,” said Ora Reynolds, president and CEO of Hunt Midwest and KCADC Board of Directors co-chair. “Hunt Midwest and KCADC work together to transform the landscape of every community and relationship we touch by focusing on a customer-first approach.”

KCADC called on leaders to think big and embrace the power of partnership as the region continues to thrive in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing and distribution, animal health, technology, data centers and more.

Attendees were emboldened to capitalize on this momentum to empower Kansas City’s spotlight on the global stage, accentuated by major sports wins and the FIFA World Cup™ in 2026. Annual Meeting keynote speaker and owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball phenomenon, Jesse Cole, echoed this opportunity with his “Fans First” philosophy, sharing how leaders can create unforgettable experiences and foster passionate fans for both their businesses and the region as a whole.

“The secret of the KC region is out, and showing up big right now will shape our region’s future for decades to come,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “We have a strong pipeline of companies considering the region that could bring even more big wins in 2024. It’s all of us, together, making it happen.”

Consistently ranked as a top regional economic development group, KCADC serves as an essential resource for locating businesses and talent to the region and was recently recognized as a finalist in the City Nation Place Awards for Best Communications Strategy. To learn more about KCADC and its business and talent attraction strategies for the region, visit onekc.org.


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

Kansas City Area Development Council Recognized as International Award Finalist for Talent-Focused Marketing & Communications Strategy

The organization was the only U.S. finalist for City Nation Place’s Best Communication Strategy Award, recognized for its video campaign, “The KC Design Draft”

Kansas City Region – Nov. 9, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) announced today that it was recognized as a finalist for the City Nation Place Global Awards held in London.

The award category, “Communications Strategy: Economic Development,” recognizes campaigns that best exemplify the strategic aim of attracting investment or talent. KCADC’s strategy was the only one from the U.S. to be recognized as a finalist, competing against campaigns from New Zealand, Denmark, Canada, Scotland and Lithuania. 

“KC is an amazing place to live and work – and KCADC is proud to help tell that story to the world, ” said Jonathan Knecht, senior vice president of marketing and creative services at KCADC. “International recognition like this helps us shine a spotlight that puts the entire KC region on a global stage. ”

The finalist campaign, called KC Design Draft, was developed for KCADC’s strategic initiative focused on the region’s design and construction industry, KC Global Design, in collaboration with Kansas City-based engineering and construction firm, Burns & McDonnell, along with investor firms, BNIM, HNTB and JE Dunn and media partners, Spectrum Reach and Steel City Media. The video campaign worked to attract top-tier talent and launched in parallel to the NFL Draft, which Kansas City hosted in April 2023.

“Kansas City is a hub for design and construction talent and there are endless opportunities here,” said Melissa Lavin, vice president, marketing and external communications, Burns & McDonnell, and board member of KC Global Design. “Kansas Citians make a global impact by designing and building the world’s critical infrastructure and most important projects.”

A creative take on how the region’s architecture, engineering and construction firms “draft” highly-skilled talent to their companies, the video featured cameo appearances from local celebrities, including acclaimed multimedia journalist Abby Eden, entrepreneur and renowned film critic Shawn Edwards and Emmy-winning sports broadcaster Joel Goldberg. 

Capitalizing on the momentum for Kansas City during and following the Draft, the video amassed more than 400,000 impressions among early career professionals across the Midwest. This potential talent pool was guided to a curated aggregate of more than 1,100 open job positions at KC Global Design firms across the metro.

“KC design and construction firms are making an incredible impact on a global scale – creating stadiums, power systems, communities and infrastructure around the world. But it’s the collaboration that exists here that truly sets our market apart,” said Ashley McDonald, managing director of KC Global Design at KCADC. “With more than 1,000 firms, connecting that innovation and expertise not only elevates the industry but the entire KC region, serving as a beacon for the most in-demand talent.”

Functioning as the Kansas City region’s sales and marketing team and serving as an essential resource for locating businesses and talent to the region, KCADC has been consistently recognized as a top economic development organization in the country by Development Counsellors International and Site Selection Magazine.


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 a top regional economic development group in the nation. | onekc.org

US Motor Works’ Selection of the KC Region Hits the Headlines

On August 25, 2023, US Motor Works, a manufacturer and distributor of after-market automotive parts, announced its $19.2 million investment in a new, 167,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Liberty, Missouri.

The news of the facility garnered local, national and industry trade media attention, generating more than 84,900 views from coverage with an audience reach of 10 million.

Media Highlights

US Motor Works to Open 167,000-Sq.-Ft. Fulfillment Center in the KC Region

LIBERTY, Mo. – August 25, 2023 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that US Motor Works, a manufacturer and distributor of after-market automotive parts, is investing $19.2 million in a new, 167,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Liberty, Missouri.

“Being centrally located in the U.S. and specifically in the Kansas City area, our new facility will be three days away from 90% of the country by truck,” said Gil Benjamin, president and CEO of US Motor Works. “This new fulfillment center will not only allow us to serve our customers better, but it will also allow our products and brands to continue growing without space limitations.”

“We’re excited to welcome US Motor Works to Missouri as it continues to grow its family-owned business across North America,” said Governor Mike Parson. “The strategic choice of Missouri underscores the significance of our state’s central location, well-trained workforce, and business-friendly environment, which collectively positions us as a premier logistics hub. Missouri continues to be appealing for companies searching for an optimal place to expand their business.”

The facility, which will be located at the Heartland Meadows Industrial Park, will allow US Motor Works to centralize distribution, expand capabilities and shorten delivery times. The company currently operates in six North American facilities, with headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California. 

“The Liberty City Council has committed to a welcoming and vibrant economic development environment, with the goal of bringing corporate investment and jobs to our city,” said Greg Canuteson, Mayor of the City of Liberty. “As we welcome US Motor Works to Liberty, we are proud of the business culture that we have created over the past decade that has brought great job opportunities for the Liberty and KC metro areas. Heartland Meadows is a fixture in our community and we look forward to welcoming another industry-leading tenant to the industrial park that is nearing capacity.”

“Missouri continues to be a top location for businesses that need to get their products to consumers quickly,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “US Motor Works is a global automotive manufacturer with a large network of customers, and having this facility here in Missouri will help them maintain their high standards of excellent customer service. Logistics and automotive manufacturing are two of the state’s largest industries, and we are excited to welcome US Motor Works to Missouri.”

A leading U.S. logistics hub, the Kansas City region offers a central location, skilled workforce and robust industrial market. Ranked among the top automotive industry locations in the country and supported by an abundant infrastructure and transportation network, the area serves as a key location for companies looking to optimize their supply chain operations.

“The KC region continues to attract major industrial investment, with companies like US Motor Works choosing the area as they strive to serve their customers better and faster than ever before,” said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. “With more than 70 million square feet of industrial development in the last ten years and more than 190,000 skilled workers, KC has established itself as a leading center for distribution operations within North America.”

The facility is projected to operate at full capacity in January 2024.


About US Motor Works

Family-owned and operated since 1995, US Motor Works is a company on the move in the automotive marketplace, with six locations in North America and over 300 employees. US Motor Works has been expanding operations rapidly over the past five years. The company services OES, traditional automotive, heavy duty automotive and the performance aftermarket with five brands, USMW Professional Series, USWM Heavy Duty, OSC Automotive, Derale Performance and Pacer Performance. Products include water pumps, fan clutches, fuel pumps, radiators, condensers, heater cores, HD charge air coolers, cab roof lights, rubber flares and a full line of performance cooling products. | www.usmotorworks.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.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