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