Sedalia, Mo. – April 30, 2025 – Amazon is expanding its footprint in Missouri with a new, 65,000-square-foot last-mile facility in Sedalia. It will be built on 15 acres within the Thompson Meadows Industrial Park, a Missouri Certified Site designed for seamless development. These types of facilities generally create more than 100 direct and indirect job opportunities while bringing fast delivery across Pettis County and the surrounding region.

“Amazon’s decision to expand its presence here in Missouri is a testament to our state’s business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re committed to fostering a climate where leading companies like Amazon can thrive and continue to fuel innovation and prosperity in our communities.”

“We’re proud of the job creation we’re bringing to Sedalia and this last-mile facility will allow us to better serve our growing customer base throughout west central Missouri with faster delivery speeds,” said Jason Vangalis, Amazon Economic Development Manager. “We’re grateful for our collaboration with all of our area partners, along with the region’s skilled workforce and strategic location, which were all positive factors in Amazon building a new site in Missouri.” 

These types of facilities power the last mile of Amazon’s order process and help speed up deliveries. Packages are shipped to a delivery station from neighboring Amazon Fulfillment and Sortation Centers, loaded into delivery vehicles, and delivered to customers.

“Amazon’s decision to invest in Sedalia and Pettis County is a testament to our region’s strong pro-business environment,” said Rusty Kahrs, President of Economic Development – Sedalia Pettis County’s Board of Directors. “Companies thrive here because of our commitment to fostering growth, streamlining development, and providing the infrastructure needed to succeed. We are thrilled to welcome Amazon to Sedalia and look forward to the economic benefits and job opportunities this facility will bring to our community.”

“The Thompson Meadows Industrial Park’s certified site status was a major factor in attracting Amazon to Sedalia and Pettis County,” said Jessica Craig, Executive Director of Economic Development Sedalia – Pettis County. “Having a site that is development-ready makes it easier for companies to invest and grow here. Amazon’s presence will enhance our region’s economic strength and provide new job opportunities for our residents and region.”

Launch plans for this delivery station – particularly those around when operations will start and hiring – are still in the very early stages, with construction getting underway. Amazon’s U.S. customer fulfillment and transportation employees earn an average of more than $22 per hour.

“Amazon’s decision to expand its operations in Sedalia underscores Missouri’s strategic advantages, including our prime location in the center of the U.S.,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This investment strengthens Missouri’s role as a leading logistics and distribution hub, providing companies with unparalleled access to customers nationwide. We are proud to have supported this project and look forward to Amazon’s continued success in our state.”

Economic Development Sedalia – Pettis County worked with several partners to attract Amazon to Sedalia, including: Sedalia Pettis County Community Service Corporation, City of Sedalia, Pettis County, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, Liberty Utilities, Evergy, State Fair Community College, and VanTrust Real Estate.

Media Assets: Download Amazon delivery images and b-roll

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 34,950 new jobs, $1.8 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $8.2 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., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

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Missouri is an ideal state for companies that produce food and products utilizing corn, soybeans, dairy, and livestock due to its rich agricultural resources, strategic location, and favorable business environment. As one of the nation’s top producers of both corn and soybeans, Missouri offers a steady and reliable supply of high-quality raw materials essential to a wide range of industries—from food processing and animal feed to biofuels, bioplastics, and industrial goods.

Missouri’s business-friendly climate, affordable land and energy, skilled workforce, and strong research institutions, such as the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, foster innovation and growth in the agri-food and agri-tech sectors.

Whether you’re producing food ingredients, renewable fuels, or sustainable packaging, Missouri’s abundance of commodity crops, coupled with its commitment to agricultural excellence, makes it a powerful partner in feeding, fueling, and supplying the world.

Leading Producer of Corn and Soybeans

Missouri is one of the top producers of corn and soybeans in the United States. The state’s fertile soil, moderate climate, and extensive farmland provide an abundant, high-quality supply of these essential crops. Missouri’s farmers grow a significant portion of the nation’s corn and soybeans, making it a reliable source of raw materials for food and product manufacturers.

• Corn is widely used in food products, such as corn syrup, cornmeal, and popcorn, as well as in non-food products, including ethanol and animal feed.
• Soybeans are utilized in a wide range of food products, including oil, tofu, soy milk, and protein-rich products, as well as in industrial applications such as biodiesel and plastics.

Strong Agricultural Infrastructure

The state’s robust agricultural infrastructure is supported by a well-connected transportation network, including major interstates, railroads, and access to the Mississippi River, enabling efficient and cost-effective distribution of goods nationwide and globally. Bordered by eight states, Missouri’s central location puts businesses within a day’s drive of over 50% of the U.S. population, making it a logistics dream for supply chain management. Home to a growing number of processing facilities for both corn and soybeans, including ethanol plants and soy processing mills, the state makes it easier for companies to source ingredients and maintain a reliable supply chain.

Business-Friendly Environment

Missouri offers a business-friendly environment, including competitive tax rates, economic incentives, and a commitment to fostering the growth of food and agricultural industries. Missouri is committed to supporting its agricultural and food businesses through initiatives like the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Farm Bureau, both of which help local businesses grow and succeed. Programs like Missouri Works and the Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) provide financial incentives, grants, and low-interest loans that can support the growth of businesses utilizing corn and soy. At the same time, Missouri Farmers Care works with agriculture partners around the state to engage and develop the agriculture workforce of tomorrow while readying communities for incoming agriculture investment. These organizations provide resources on everything from market access and sustainability practices to farm policy and regulatory compliance.

Research & Development Support

Missouri is home to institutions like the University of Missouri and Missouri State University, which have strong agricultural programs and offer research and development support for businesses in the meat, corn, and soybean sectors. These universities work on developing new, more efficient farming techniques, creating new uses for corn and soy, and supporting businesses with product innovation.

Diverse Market Opportunities

The uses for Missouri’s top commodity crops span many industries. Food products like vegetable oils, snacks, protein supplements, and beverages make up a large portion of the market. Additionally, companies can tap into bio-based manufacturing for products like biodiesel, plastics, and animal feed. The diversity of products that can be made from corn and soy opens up multiple avenues for growth and innovation in Missouri.

Missouri’s abundant agricultural resources, strategic location, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal state for companies producing food and products from corn, soybeans, meat, or dairy. With opportunities to access raw materials, develop innovative products, and reach broad markets, Missouri offers the perfect foundation for businesses in the value-added agriculture industries.

If you’re looking to explore more about doing business in Missouri, contact our team today.

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Missouri has long been recognized as a central hub of commerce and innovation in the United States. In recent years, the state has positioned itself as a magnet for forward-thinking companies that are redefining industries with smart, sustainable, and cutting-edge solutions. From construction materials to tech giants, Missouri is making waves as the ideal destination for businesses seeking growth, innovation, and sustainability.

A Business-Friendly Environment

Missouri’s pro-business policies create fertile ground for companies to thrive. The state boasts some of the lowest corporate tax rates in the nation, and its central location provides easy access to domestic and international markets. With robust infrastructure, including extensive rail, river, road, and air systems, Missouri is uniquely equipped to handle large-scale operations and logistics with efficiency.

Additionally, the state offers numerous incentives to support businesses, including workforce development programs, tax credits, and grants for companies investing in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and other high-growth industries. This supportive framework is one of the key reasons innovative companies select Missouri as their business expansion location of choice.

A Strong Workforce

Missouri is home to a highly skilled and educated workforce, bolstered by a network of top-tier universities and technical schools. With more than 3 million workers, the state’s talent pool spans a wide range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. Missouri One Start, the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division, helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive with customized recruitment assistance and resources to train and upskill employees. Initiatives like Missouri’s Registered Apprenticeship Program and customized training options help businesses find and develop the skilled employees they need to succeed.

Abundant Natural Resources for Sustainability

Missouri’s rich natural resources play a critical role in attracting the world’s most innovative companies. The state’s vast agricultural base provides opportunities for companies in bioenergy and sustainable farming. Additionally, Missouri’s access to abundant water resources, including major rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi, supports industries that require significant water use while maintaining a focus on conservation and sustainability.

The state is also rich in renewable energy potential, with wind farms in northern Missouri and solar energy projects across the region. This makes it easier for companies to integrate clean energy into their operations, reducing their carbon footprint and aligning with global sustainability goals. For example, Google’s new Kansas City data center will leverage renewable energy to power its operations, setting an example for energy-efficient practices in the tech industry.

Green Innovation in Action

Missouri’s highly skilled workforce and strategic geographic location has drawn companies that prioritize innovation and green initiatives. Carlisle Construction Materials’ new facility in Sikeston is a prime example of this trend. The manufacturer  of high-performance, energy-efficient building materials chose Missouri to build the first LEED Platinum v4 certified manufacturing facility in North America. This groundbreaking facility showcases advanced sustainability practices, such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation technologies, and the use of recycled materials. Carlisle’s decision to invest in Missouri highlights the state’s readiness to support companies that value both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Geospatial and Biotech Industries: Mapping a Greener Future

As the state’s reputation as a hub for smart and sustainable innovation grows, so are Missouri’s geospatial and biotech industries. St. Louis is home to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) western headquarters, fostering advancements in mapping, analytics, and technology that drive smarter resource management and urban planning. These innovations support sustainability initiatives and attract companies focused on solving global challenges through technology.

The state’s agtech sector is equally impressive, with companies leveraging Missouri’s agricultural strengths to develop sustainable farming techniques, biofuels, and eco-friendly products. Organizations like the Danforth Plant Science Center and BioSTL are at the forefront of creating solutions that reduce environmental impact while enhancing productivity, further solidifying Missouri as a leader in green innovation.

Retail Meets Sustainability

State, regional and local leaders joined Nuuly to commence operations at their new facility in Raymore, Missouri.

In the retail and fashion industry, Missouri was a strategic choice for Nuuly, the sustainable clothing rental service powered by URBN. The company chose Kansas City for its new distribution facility. Nuuly’s focus on reducing waste in the fashion industry highlights the state’s readiness to support forward-thinking retail models. More innovative companies that chose Missouri for distribution facilities include Amazon, Americold, and Chewy. 

The Future of Data Centers

Missouri is making its mark as a key player in the world of technology infrastructure. Edged Energy, a leader in sustainable data center solutions, has chosen Missouri as a strategic location for its state-of-the-art, sustainable data center. By integrating renewable energy sources and advanced cooling technologies, Edged Energy is setting a new standard for data center efficiency and sustainability. Missouri’s central location, paired with its renewable energy resources, makes it an ideal choice for tech companies looking to expand responsibly.

Why Missouri?

From its central location to its supportive business policies, Missouri offers the perfect environment for companies to innovate, grow, and lead. The state’s emphasis on infrastructure and workforce development ensures that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

As companies like Carlisle Construction Materials, Nuuly, Google, and Edged Energy continue to invest in Missouri, it’s clear that the state is not only keeping pace with the future but actively shaping it. For businesses looking to be at the forefront of smart, green, and innovative practices, Missouri is the place to be!

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Missouri is solidifying its role as a national leader in reshoring active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) research and development. With a strong presence of human health and API-focused businesses, the state is taking decisive action to address vulnerabilities in the U.S. drug supply chain and ensure domestic pharmaceutical security.

Strategic Investments in API Innovation

The Missouri Department of Economic Development recently provided $9.55 million in funding to the API Innovation Center (APIIC) at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). This initiative is a crucial step in advancing pharmaceutical R&D and ensuring the domestic manufacturing of critical APIs.

Complementing this investment, APIIC also secured $14 million in federal funding to develop and manufacture essential pharmaceutical ingredients within the United States. These funds will be instrumental in reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and fortifying the resilience of the nation’s biopharma sector.

A Model for Reshoring Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

By fostering an environment that supports API research, development, and manufacturing, Missouri is paving the way for innovation and supply chain security. The state’s efforts underscore its leadership in the bioscience sector and its commitment to safeguarding public health through strategic investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Missouri’s collaborative approach positions the state as a model for other states looking to mitigate risks associated with offshore manufacturing dependencies.

Missouri is home to several organizations actively engaged in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) research and development:

API Innovation Center (APIIC): Headquartered in St. Louis, APIIC is a non-profit organization committed to bolstering the U.S. healthcare supply chain by producing domestically manufactured APIs. In December 2024, APIIC awarded a contract to Sentio BioSciences to advance the development and domestic production of two critical pharmaceutical molecules, propofol and bupivacaine, which have historically faced shortages.

Sentio BioSciences: Based in Maryland Heights, Sentio BioSciences is an innovative pharmaceutical company specializing in human and animal health. Founded in 2009, Sentio offers comprehensive services, including research and development, cGMP manufacturing of APIs and finished drug products, and regulatory compliance. Their vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities span from key starting materials to finished drug products.

Apertus Pharmaceuticals: Located in St. Louis, Apertus collaborates with APIIC to enhance the domestic production of essential medications, including cancer treatments. Their partnership focuses on adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality, U.S.-made pharmaceuticals.

MRIGlobal: Headquartered in Kansas City, MRIGlobal is an independent, not-for-profit contract research organization. They conduct programs in molecular diagnostics, therapeutics, and other areas, providing solutions through scientific research and technology development for government, industry, and the public.

These organizations collectively contribute to advancing API research and development in Missouri, strengthening the state’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and healthcare innovation.

Missouri: A Hub for API and Human Health Industries

Missouri’s robust ecosystem of human health and API-focused businesses enhances its ability to drive pharmaceutical advancements. The state’s collaborative environment, bolstered by public and private partnerships, enables the rapid development and deployment of life-saving medications. With continued support for reshoring initiatives, Missouri is well-positioned to lead the nation in ensuring a stable, domestic API supply chain.

Through targeted funding, strategic initiatives, and a thriving bioscience sector, Missouri is making significant strides in reshoring API manufacturing. As the state continues to invest in pharmaceutical innovation, it sets a precedent for national efforts to enhance drug supply chain resilience and safeguard public health.

Learn more about how Missouri is shaping the future of human health.

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Program Aims to Strengthen Communities’ Competitiveness for Business Attraction

Missouri – January 28, 2025 – Missouri Partnership is excited to announce the official kickoff of the Raise the Bar – Assess program, a key component of the organization’s Raise the Bar capacity-building initiative. This innovative program is designed to prepare communities across Missouri to respond quickly and competitively to business attraction opportunities.

Missouri Partnership is collaborating with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), and Missouri Farmers Care on the initiative. A core component of Raise the Bar – Assess is an intensive mock site visit that mimics food and beverage projects. Following a nationwide search, nationally recognized site selection firm Quest Site Solutions was selected to lead the exercise in six Missouri communities.

“The Raise the Bar – Assess program is a game-changer for communities striving to attract businesses,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This initiative not only sharpens their competitive edge but also demonstrates Missouri’s commitment to being the best place for business. The expertise of Quest Site Solutions and the collaboration with MASBDA and Missouri Farmers Care add incredible value to our efforts.”

The following organizations have been selected to participate in the program:

• Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council
• Jefferson City Regional Economic Partnership
• Kirksville Regional Economic Development Inc.
• Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation
• Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
• Washington County Industrial Development Authority

The program offers selected communities the rare opportunity to work directly with site selection experts, providing site-specific feedback to further enhance their readiness for future business attraction projects.

“I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said Chris Chinn, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “By combining resources and expertise, we’re ensuring that Missouri communities are well-prepared to compete for and win critical business attraction projects. This project is about investing in our future and positioning Missouri as a national leader in economic development.”

“This collaboration underscores the strength of Missouri’s statewide partnerships,” said Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care. “Missouri has unique strengths in the agriculture, biotechnology, and food and beverage sectors. We’re excited to see these communities take what they learn and apply it to real-world projects, ensuring Missouri remains at the forefront of agricultural growth and economic development opportunities.”

The Raise the Bar – Assess program exemplifies Missouri Partnership’s dedication to empowering communities through strategic collaboration and targeted capacity-building efforts. The initiative’s focus on readiness and competitiveness is key to driving economic growth across the state. Quest Site Solutions will begin conducting mock site visits in Missouri this week.

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 34,100+ new jobs, $1.7 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $8.1 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., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

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Missouri is positioned for significant growth as a series of exciting investments and developments take shape across the state. With projects ranging from manufacturing to distribution to agriculture, these new investments total nearly $136 million and continue to highlight Missouri’s reputation as a strategic location for innovative businesses ready for growth. 

Below is a summary of some of the most impactful recent announcements fueling Missouri’s growth in 2025 and beyond. 

IKO Announces New Granule Facility in Bismarck, Missouri

In January 2025, IKO, a global leader in roofing and waterproofing products, announced plans to open a new granule facility for its subsidiary, Bismarck Granules, in Bismarck, Missouri. The company is investing more than $120 million in the facility, which will supply granules to IKO’s shingle plants across the U.S. This project is expected to create over 50 new jobs in the region, bolstering the local economy.

Why IKO Chose Bismarck: “Not only will it make us more efficient in terms of our logistical operations, but it will provide us with the added capacity to supply our U.S. based manufacturing plants with granules from a centralized U.S. site for many years to come.”

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OpenStore Chooses Kansas City for First Fulfillment Center

In March 2025, the fast-growing e-commerce platform, OpenStore, will be opening its first-ever fulfillment center in Kansas City, Missouri. The 113,000-square-foot facility represents a $5 million investment and is expected to bring 46 new jobs and $2 million in payroll to the Kansas City region in the next five years. The new center will improve efficiency for OpenStore’s expanding portfolio of online brands, further strengthening Kansas City’s e-commerce and logistics industry cluster. 

Why OpenStore Chose Kansas City: “Its central location means we can ship to 90% of the contiguous U.S. in two days or less, significantly enhancing our ability to deliver faster service to customers. The city also boasts a robust logistics and manufacturing talent pool of over 190,000 professionals, making it an ideal place to build a best-in-class team…It’s a city that matches our ambition and commitment to pushing boundaries.”

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CAM Construction Expands to Glasgow, Missouri

CAM Construction Services, a leader in custom cabinetry and millwork, is investing $925,000 to open a new cabinet manufacturing facility in Glasgow, Missouri. The project will create 30 jobs and is expected to begin operations in early 2025. The facility will focus on producing high-quality cabinetry and millwork, utilizing advanced manufacturing processes.

Why CAM Construction Chose Glasgow: “We’re excited to bring our operations to Glasgow, creating jobs and strengthening local manufacturing while enhancing our ability to serve customers throughout the region.”

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Beck’s Soybean Seed Processing Facility in New Madrid, Missouri

Beck’s, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the U.S., is investing $10 million in a 60,000-square-foot soybean seed processing facility in New Madrid, Missouri. The facility will feature advanced equipment for cleaning, treating, and packaging soybean seed and is set to process 3 million units annually. The expansion is expected to create 17 full-time jobs and begin operations in fall 2026.

Why Beck’s Chose New Madrid: “We are thrilled to expand our presence in the Mid-South and put down roots in the New Madrid community. This new facility represents our ongoing commitment to serving farmers by providing them with high-quality soybean products and elite customer service. We look forward to building strong partnerships in the area and supporting the growth of the agricultural industry for years to come”

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Recognitions for Innovation

In addition to business expansion announcements, research facilities across Missouri have recently earned recognition for driving innovation that advances industry. Some of the most recent highlights include:

With the year just beginning, Missouri’s strong start sets the tone for even more announcements ahead. As our state’s unique advantages continue attracting innovative businesses, expect to see more developments that drive growth, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Missouri. 

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What city is home to the Best Coffee Chain in the United States, a worldwide hub for agtech and Geospatial Intelligence, has a robust bioscience innovation ecosystem, and is one of the most affordable places to live in the country? If you guessed St. Louis, you are correct. 

Ranked third for job growth, 10th for tech talent, and 16th fastest-growing big regional economies in the United States, St. Louis is leading the nation in job creation, talent, and real gross domestic product (GDP) growth. According to Forbes, St. Louis is Still a Nice Little Secret, but as the metro grows in workers and goods and services produced, the City of St. Louis, regional groups, and developers are preparing for new industrial business investment. 

Advanced manufacturing and industrial developments are planned in the areas north and south of St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch, which boasts large tracts of underutilized industrial land providing ample room for new developments and expansions.

EV Battery manufacturer ICL Group announced a $574 million facility expansion in St. Louis’ North Riverfront neighborhood, which will be the first major lithium iron phosphate plant in the U.S. This investment enhances St. Louis’ role in the EV supply chain, a rapidly growing sector critical to achieving sustainable energy goals. The North Riverfront location was strategically chosen to leverage St. Louis’ skilled workforce, central geographic location, and robust infrastructure, making it a key player in the nation’s push for domestic production of critical EV components. 

The $1.2 billion Gateway South development aims to create a new mixed-use, sustainable neighborhood in a long-vacant industrial area south of the Arch. The 100-acre master-planned project has the goal of being an innovation district for the construction and design sectors. The industrial site highlights include rail & river access, a 50-foot high-bay prototyping lab, and a versatile prototyping yard, manufacturing, office/warehouse, production, distribution, R&D, outdoor storage, and is open to prospective tenants. 

Image courtesy of Gateway South

Strategic infrastructure investments in St. Louis’ rails, bridges, highways, and airport terminal are expected to enhance intermodal services and attract more manufacturing and shipper investment to the St. Louis region, according to the American Journal of Transportation article, St. Louis Intermodal Business Attracts Investment.

“The St. Louis region is connected to East, West, and Gulf Coast ports by six Class I railroads; less than a one-day truck drive to other major manufacturing markets like Kansas City, Memphis, Columbus, Chicago and Nashville; home to two international cargo airports; and located at the most strategic site on the Mississippi River. If gas prices fluctuate, shippers want modal options and they benefit from the flexibility to move freight through multiple modes of transportation—truck, rail or barge,” said Mary C. Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, and Head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway. 

St. Louis is emerging as America’s next big hub for industry, tech, and talent, with leading advancements in agtech, geospatial intelligence, and bioscience innovation. Strategic investments in infrastructure, industrial developments, and EV manufacturing are driving unprecedented job growth and economic expansion. Affordable living, a skilled workforce, and prime geographic connectivity solidify St. Louis as a powerhouse for innovation and opportunity.

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Bismarck, Mo. – January 8, 2025 – IKO, a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of residential shingles, commercial roofing, and waterproofing products, is proud to announce plans to open a new granule facility for its subsidiary, Bismarck Granules, in Bismarck, Missouri.

“We’re proud to see another leading manufacturer like IKO choosing to grow in Missouri,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company’s significant expansion in Bismarck speaks to our ability to support businesses through our state’s strategic location, low costs, and skilled workforce. We congratulate IKO on its success and look forward to the positive impact it will provide for Missourians.”

The company is investing more than $120 million in the new facility. It will directly supply granules to IKO’s shingle plants across the U.S. The company plans to establish a quarry nearby to support the operation. Bismarck Granules is partnering with New Frontier Materials to secure feedstock to be used as input to the process. Engineering firm Penta is also collaborating with the company on the project.

“We are tremendously excited to see this important project proceeding,” said David Koschitzky, CEO of IKO North America. “It is the culmination of several years of effort by both our team and our partners to finalize a facility that will play an essential role in supplying our US operations. In addition to our team, our local partners at New Frontier Materials and Subhash Mohan and the group at PENTA Engineering Corporation, deserve a great deal of thanks for helping us get to the start of construction of this state-of-the-art facility.”

Bismarck Granules is set to create more than 50 new jobs in the region, strengthening the local economy. The company chose Bismarck for its highly skilled workforce, strategic central location, and excellent interstate connectivity.

“We are incredibly proud to have IKO and Bismarck Granules in our community,” said Mayor Seth Radford. “They have already proven to be outstanding partners, and we value the strong relationships we’ve built together. Their investment in this project highlights the incredible potential of our city, and we look forward to working closely with them as they continue to grow and bring prosperity to our region.”

“St. Francois County is proud to be a part of adding IKO as a productive business in our community,” said Harold Gallaher, Presiding Commissioner of St. Francois County. “The additional jobs and revenue will help ensure the prosperity of our county.” 

Construction is underway, with plans to open in 2026.

“IKO’s new facility is exciting news for Bismarck and our state’s ever-growing manufacturing industry,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “Thank you for selecting our state to invest, create jobs, and help Missourians prosper.”

“Missouri continues to be a top choice for innovative manufacturers like IKO,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Missouri has established itself as a premier destination for construction materials manufacturing, offering unmatched advantages like a skilled workforce, central location, and a business-friendly environment. We are proud to welcome IKO to the state, and we look forward to the opportunities this company will create for the Bismarck community and the region.”

Missouri Partnership worked with several partners to attract Bismarck Granules to Missouri, including: the City of Bismarck, St. Francois County, St. Francois County Industrial Development Authority, SEMO Regional Planning Commission, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Ameren.

About Bismarck Granules LLC
Bismarck Granules LLC is a division of IKO. IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.

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 34,000+ new jobs, $1.7 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $8 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., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

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AI-ready facility brings 26 MW of critical capacity, consumes zero water for cooling and delivers ultra-efficient operations to the booming high-tech market

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 12, 2024) – Edged, the fast-growing sustainable infrastructure provider, marked a significant milestone yesterday with the grand opening of its new ultra-efficient Kansas City data center. The state-of-the-art facility sets a new standard for sustainability and performance with waterless cooling systems built to support advanced computing technology and cloud services. Strategically located at 3420 North Arlington Avenue near downtown Kansas City, the facility delivers 26 MW of critical capacity to the region. The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the transformation of the vacant site into a thriving digital hub.

Known as Edged Kansas City, the world-class facility is designed for high-density Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads and uniquely optimized for both energy and water efficiency. The event was attended by Governor Mike Parson, Kansas City and Clay County officials, members of the economic development community, local design-builder Burns & McDonnell, utility providers Evergy and Spire and key project partners.

“Edged’s new facility in Kansas City is the latest example of a leading, high-tech employer choosing Missouri,” said Governor Mike Parson. “All across our state, innovative companies are recognizing that we have what it takes to ensure their success – including a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.”

“Kansas City is proud to be home to forward-thinking companies driving both environmental stewardship and economic development,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “It’s why we are excited Edged is opening a brand-new sustainable data center in Kansas City, a powerful example of how sustainability and technology can work together. Edged is strengthening Kansas City’s position as a leader in the next generation of digital infrastructure, while creating jobs and driving economic growth.”

Unlike traditional data centers that consume massive amounts of water for cooling and strain the local energy grid, Edged Kansas City uses zero water and 74% less energy overhead than conventional facilities. Each Edged data center is outfitted with the ThermalWorks waterless cooling system which uses no water and is expected to save nearly 95 million gallons of water each year compared to conventional data centers. The modular system supports ultra-high densities of up to 200 kW per rack with plug-and-play liquid cooling integration while delivering industry-leading energy efficiency (average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15 portfolio-wide).

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Parson and state and local officials who partnered with us to transform this underutilized site into a state-of-the-art IT facility and true asset to the community,” said Bryant Farland, Chief Executive Officer for Edged. “The project represents an important step in the region’s continued commitment to sustainable leadership and economic growth. Edged Kansas City represents a $143M initial economic investment, bringing positive impact to the city and region at large. We are honored to support Kansas City’s thriving digital economy with innovative and sustainable solutions.”

Kansas City has quickly become an established data center hub thanks to the region’s central location, access to low-cost reliable power and exceptional fiber connectivity, with high-speed connections from coast to coast.

“Our strength in the technology sector, specifically data centers, has been building over the last several years and creating great, high-paying job opportunities for those in our community,” said Steven Anthony, Executive Director of Business Development for EDCKC. “We’re continuing to pursue additional data center and other tech market opportunities in KCMO, which will only help strengthen our national appeal in this sector.”

Edged is proud to partner with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Kansas City Area Development Council, Missouri Partnership, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the State of Missouri to bring this new world-class facility to Kansas City.

“DED is proud to join our partners in supporting Edged’s impressive new facility in Kansas City,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “This exciting project exemplifies our state’s ability to attract and support next-generation companies as they invest, innovate, and help Missourians prosper.”

“The opening of Edged Kansas City is a tremendous example of how Missouri continues to lead in sustainable innovation and cutting-edge technology,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “By investing in waterless cooling technology and high-performance infrastructure, Edged is not only enhancing Kansas City’s digital economy but also setting a new standard for environmental stewardship. We are proud to welcome Edged to Missouri and look forward to their long-term success in our state.”

The data center joins a growing network of Edged facilities currently under construction or operational across the U.S., including in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Columbus and Phoenix. Edged is a subsidiary of Endeavour with nearly a dozen new data centers operating or under construction across Europe and North America and a gigawatt-scale project pipeline.

About Edged
Edged is a vertically integrated global platform of on-demand data centers. Its operations are designed to be carbon and water neutral. Edged is an Endeavour company. For more information, visit www.edged.us 

About Endeavour
Endeavour is an innovation platform that builds sustainable infrastructure companies to make clean water and renewable energy affordable and accessible to all. For more information, visit www.endeavourii.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 34,000+ new jobs, $1.7 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $7.8 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., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

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The new $5 million facility will optimize operations for the Shopify-brand aggregator

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – December 3, 2024 – OpenStore, an innovative e-commerce platform transforming how businesses scale and operate, has announced its first-ever fulfillment center in Kansas City, Missouri. It is set 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,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “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.”

“We’re a city of innovators and we’re proud to welcome an innovative company like OpenStore to Kansas City,” said Steven Anthony, Vice President of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. “We look forward to the continued growth and success of their operations here.”

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.”

“We’re thrilled to support OpenStore as it joins a growing list of high-tech employers expanding in Kansas City,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We look forward to OpenStore helping Missourians prosper in the Kansas City region by bringing additional investment and new jobs to the area.”

“We are excited to welcome OpenStore to Missouri, where innovation and industry meet to create extraordinary opportunities,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Their investment in Kansas City highlights the strength of our central location, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce. Missouri continues to be a premier destination for e-commerce and logistics companies, and we look forward to seeing OpenStore thrive in our state.”

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 https://open.store.

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 34,000+ new jobs, $1.7 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $7.8 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., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.

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