Tag Archives: PULSE

Cold Chain Continental Connector

Americold and CPKC Launch First-of-its-Kind Cold Storage Hub in North America

What to know: How the now-open cold storage facility positions KC as a central leader in cold storage.

• Major investment: $100M+, 335K sq. ft. facility in KC
• Talent & growth: Nearly 190 new positions created locally
• Industry Innovation: First-of-its-kind facility in North America 
• Continental link: Anchors KC in the North American cold chain, fueling CPKC’s Mexico Midwest Express rail link

>> Inside the investment.

In Brief: Mexico’s Nearshoring and Trade Momentum

Mexico continues to solidify its position as a long-term hub for nearshoring, thanks to its geographic and logistical advantages. At the IAMC International event in Mexico City, conversations centered on tariff uncertainty, infrastructure strain, and power availability – challenges that mirror those seen in the U.S. industrial market. Still, with U.S.–Mexico trade up more than 6% this year, optimism remains strong that policy updates through next year’s USMCA renegotiation will support further investment and supply chain resilience.

As Mexico’s trade and manufacturing footprint expands, Kansas City’s central location and established logistics network make it a natural partner in facilitating cross-border flows and supporting North American supply chains

2026 Transportation Outlook

Inside Transportation’s Race Toward Tech, Talent and Climate Goals

Once defined by physical infrastructure and fuel costs, the transportation sector is now being reshaped by intelligent technologies, shifting workforce dynamics and an urgent push toward environmental sustainability. As global supply chains grow more complex, transportation leaders are rethinking their strategies for long-term impact.

What’s in the report: Discover how AI, automation and electrification are transforming water, air, road, and rail transport. Learn the key trends shaping the next five years and why talent and sustainability are mission-critical to global transportation. 

>> Read the Full Report

The Ingredients behind KC’s Food Industry Boom

Kansas City ranks sixth nationally in the Global Location Strategies 2025 Best Places for Food Manufacturing report, the region stands out for its exceptional blend of location quality, business-friendly operating costs and deep industry expertise.

KC News Spotlight

Nearly half (46%) of U.S. workers now live far from where they grew up. Kansas City is one of the top 15 regions people relocate to, with many citing career growth opportunities and affordable living as the driving force behind their interest in KC.

>> The 25 fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new talent

Why investor firms are betting big on Kansas City

In just the past six months, out-of-market investment firms have acquired more than 3.6 million square feet of Class A industrial space, solidifying KC’s position as one of the nation’s most sought-after markets for institutional industrial investment. 

“With lower operating costs, a supportive regulatory environment and access to a skilled labor force, KC is a powerful, attractive option for both occupiers and capital partners,” said Mark Long, president and CEO of Newmark Zimmer and chair of KC SmartPort’s Board of Directors. 

>> See why industrial investors are choosing KC

Positioning Kansas City on the Global Stage

KC SmartPort Returns from Trade Mission to Germany

KC SmartPort recently led a high-impact international mission to Germany, joined by Kansas City business leaders and regional partners.

The goals were clear: strengthen international trade relationships, promote KC as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) and elevate the region’s international profile in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.

>> Dive into KC’s global investment push

Kansas City to host top FTZ event in U.S.

The 2025 NAFTZ Annual Conference & Exposition is the largest annual event for the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) community, bringing together 500 U.S. FTZ professionals from across the country.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how FTZs can be leveraged to attract investment, support global trade and strengthen regional competitiveness.

>> Learn more and register

From Policy Shocks to Supply Chain Shifts: What’s Next for Auto in KC?

KC SmartPort’s 2025 Annual Industry Briefing gathered 650 industry leaders to discuss trends shaping the auto sector and how these shifts are impacting the KC region. Industry experts from Ford, Magna and Plante Moran tackled key topics impacting the automotive sector, such as trade policy uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and evolving product strategies.

Data Deep-Dive: Explore Plante Moran’s in-depth automotive outlook for expert insights into the current state of the industry and what’s driving change in the years ahead.

>> Get the Report

Major Energy Infrastructure Expansions Power Up KC

Evergy is boosting the region’s energy capacity with a newly announced natural gas power plant in Missouri, adding to two 705-megawatt combined-cycle plants previously announced in Kansas. These significant investments position KC to meet rising demand and power the region’s next phase of growth. 

KC Lands Record-Breaking FinTech Win

KC’s cross-industry momentum just hit a new milestone. Fiserv, a Fortune 500 global fintech leader, announced plans to open its newest strategic hub in the region, creating 2,000 jobs — the largest office attraction project in Kansas City’s history.

The Road Ahead

Tariffs and the Automotive Industry’s Shifting Landscape

The U.S. auto industry faces rising costs as newly reinstated steel and aluminum tariffs squeeze profit margins and drive up vehicle prices, impacting manufacturers and consumers alike. President Trump confirmed he has no intention to ease these tariffs and reaffirmed his pledge to impose reciprocal levies as soon as April 2. 

These changes in trade policy, combined with a growing reliance on Canadian imports, will greatly impact vehicle pricing, manufacturing investments and long-term strategy in the auto industry. 

As companies and consumers continue to navigate this evolving landscape, KC’s automotive legacy, bolstered by the long-standing presence of Ford and GM, reinforces its position as a key, reliable hub within the industry.

Access Exclusive Insights from Auto Industry Leaders on April 16

With trade policies in flux and new challenges shaping the automotive industry, understanding what’s on the horizon is more important than ever.

At this year’s KC SmartPort Annual Industry Briefing, experts from Ford, Magna and Plante Moran will break down the latest shifts in automotive manufacturing, supply chain strategy and policy changes impacting the industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for what’s ahead in Kansas City and beyond.

Foreign Trade Zones

A Strategic Advantage for U.S. Importers

In an era of shifting trade policies and global supply chain disruptions, adaptability is key. 

For importers facing trade remedy tariffs, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) offer critical advantages, including enhanced cost management and operational flexibility.

Leveraging an FTZ

• Defer duty payments until goods enter U.S. commerce, improving cash flow.
• Store imported goods indefinitely for strategic inventory management.
• Eliminate duties on goods exported from the zone, as well as scrap and waste. 
• Reduce overall duty exposure through value-added activities within the FTZ.

The KC Advantage

With its central location, robust logistics network and established FTZ infrastructure, Kansas City provides an ideal environment for businesses seeking to optimize their import strategies.

Learn more about Foreign Trade Zones in the KC region.

2025 Industrial Market Outlook

A Shift Back to Pre-Pandemic Trends

The U.S. industrial market is set to enter a new cycle in 2025, returning to pre-pandemic demand trends, as highlighted in CBRE’s 2025 Real Estate Market Outlook.

Key Drivers

• The rise of third-party logistics (3PL) providers
• Growing e-commerce demand for warehouse and distribution space
• Reshoring efforts that strengthen supply chain efficiency

As companies prioritize efficiency and modern facilities, Kansas City — a rising industrial powerhouse — is positioned to attract significant new industrial investment.

THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IS SHIFTING GEARS
The 2025 KC SmartPort Annual Industry Briefing

Join us to explore Kansas City’s rich automotive legacy, the hottest trends impacting the industry and what’s on the horizon for this dynamic sector.

>> Register Today

Refrigerated Real Estate

Cold Storage Emerging as a Key Industrial Trend

As companies adapt to evolving consumer habits and supply chain demands, cold storage facilities are transforming industrial real estate. Driven by food safety and the rise of online grocery shopping, businesses are prioritizing temperature-controlled facilities closer to production and to their end-users.

Food manufacturers are diversifying supply chains to avoid disruptions like those during the pandemic, while advancements in insulations and refrigeration are enhancing cold storage efficiency and investment appeal.

KC at the Center of Cold Storage Growth

Cold storage activity in Kansas City has boomed over the last 18 months. The region is well positioned to support the growing sector due to existing industry presence, central location and transportation access — allowing companies to meet consumer demand more efficiently than ever before.

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.