Missouri Lands $2.3 Billion in Out-of-State Investment in One Year

• May 09, 2023

In a period of twelve months, Meta, Chick-fil-A, American Foods Group, URBN, and more chose to invest in Missouri for their newest data centers, food production facilities, manufacturing operations, and distribution centers. Spanning industries from cloud technology to fast food, each company found something unique in Missouri beyond its strategic central location.

Here’s a brief summary of each project and why they chose to expand into Missouri.

Meta

In March 2022, Meta announced plans to build a nearly 1 million square foot hyper-scale data center in Kansas City, Missouri. The centrally located region’s unmatched fiber connectivity, security, infrastructure, and workforce all contributed to the decision to bring Meta to Missouri.

“It stands out with so much to offer – good access to infrastructure and fiber, a strong pool of talent for both construction and operations and more than anything, great community partners.”

Darcy Nothnagle, Director of Community and Economic Development at Meta 

Read the article: META SELECTS MISSOURI FOR NEW $800 MILLION DATA CENTER

American Foods Group

In September 2022, American Foods Group broke ground on a state-of-the-art beef processing facility set to create 1,300 new jobs in the rural community of Warren County, Missouri. The family-owned company found a great site and a robust talent pool in a state where agriculture is the number one industry.  

“When AFG first approached our team about this project via the Harvest Group, we knew it would be extremely competitive. However, we were confident Missouri’s history in food processing, strengths in agriculture, and our central location would help us win AFG for our state.”

Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership

Read the article: AMERICAN FOODS GROUP BREAKS GROUND ON NEW $800 MILLION FACILITY IN MISSOURI

Simcote

In October 2022, epoxy-coated rebar company Simcote announced plans to invest more than $17 million in a new manufacturing facility in Sedalia, Missouri. The family-owned company selected Missouri for its new 67,000 sq. ft. facility for its infrastructure, proximity to customers, and skilled workforce. 

“When we explored locations that support our core values and assist in delivering the highest quality products to our customers, Sedalia became the obvious choice. We look forward to growing our business in this great community.”

Adam Simmet, President of Simcote

Read the article: SIMCOTE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN MISSOURI

James Hardie

In October 2022, Missouri welcomed global fiber cement siding manufacturer James Hardie to Crystal City, Missouri. The region’s strong workforce and customized and flexible training programs were key factors in attracting the 100-year-old global company to Missouri.

James Hardie has manufactured building materials for more than 100 years. The new facility will be built to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for Hardie® fiber cement siding, soffit, and trim products. James Hardie employs approximately 5,200 people across the world – and this is their first location in Missouri.

Read the article: STATE OF MISSOURI TO WELCOME NEWEST JAMES HARDIE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Chick-fil-A Supply

In December 2022, Chick-Fil-A Supply chose Missouri for its fourth U.S. location, investing $16 million in a new distribution center in St. Louis County. The area’s deep labor pool and history of innovation in agriculture and food science played a key role in the company’s decision to locate in Maryland Heights.

“Our newest investment in the St. Louis area provides us the opportunity to grow our business and uniquely serve our franchise Operators, licensees, and their teams across the region. It’s exciting for us to expand our operation and create jobs that we know will attract exceptional talent from Missouri’s diverse and skilled workforce.”

Josh Grote, Executive Director of Chick-fil-A Supply

Read the article: CHICK-FIL-A SUPPLY SELECTS MISSOURI FOR NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER

URBN

In January 2023, global clothing retailer, URBN, announced plans to build a new 604,000 sq. ft. fulfillment facility for its clothing rental brand Nuuly in Raymore, Missouri. Infrastructure, central location, and access to skilled workforce were key factors in URBN’s decision to invest in Missouri.

 “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.”

Dave Hayne, Chief Technology Officer of URBN and President of Nuuly

Read the article: LEADING GLOBAL RETAILER SELECTS MISSOURI FOR NEW FULFILLMENT CENTER

Veeva Systems

In March 2023, Veeva Systems announced plans to build a new engineering hub in Kansas City, Missouri. The California-based global leader in cloud software for life sciences, Veeva Systems, chose Kansas City, Missouri, for its connectivity and deep talent pool.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the Midwest which has been a great place for us to grow technology talent. For our engineers, consultants, and sales leaders in the region, the office will be a place to build new connections and share ideas to further innovation.”

Greg Whitsitt, Engineering Director and Kansas City Site Leader at Veeva

Read the article: VEEVA SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES NEW ENGINEERING HUB IN MISSOURI

These seven companies announced plans to invest $2.3 billion in Missouri in just one year. If you’re a growing company searching for a business expansion location, we’re here to help. Contact our CEO, Subash Alias, at 314.932.3973 or via our contact form.