An automotive software communications company announced today its plan to move its headquarters to downtown Kansas City -- Silicon Prairie, if you will -- creating hundreds high-paying tech jobs.
AutoAlert is a rapidly growing California-based company led by CEO Mike Dullea. The firm had been looking to expand its operations, vetting major markets, and ultimately selecting Kansas City. The company cited Kansas City's revitalized and burgeoning downtown, access to tech talent, and convenient transportation options.
“The team loves the downtown location and the opportunity it provides," Dullea said. "This area is rich with innovation and AutoAlert is excited to be added to the mix."
AutoAlert has not yet announced its specific office location, but a news release says it's a historic building. and that it will be operational by Spring 2017. The company is planning for the new headquarters office to be operational by spring 2017, and in the meantime, it will maintain its offices in Irvine, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; and Manchester U.K.
The company will receive a benefit package, accessible only if it meets its job creation projection. State incentives are performance-based, the statement says, meaning the company could access benefits based on the actual number of jobs they create, rather than what they project to create.
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens said today he learned of the company's plans to expand operations in Missouri.
"These will be advanced positions that will bolster the already growing tech sector in the region," he said.
Dullea responded saying, “As a tenured CEO I have never received such a personal call from a governor to thank me. The efforts and words of Governor Greitens say a lot about him and the type of leadership we can expect to see moving forward.”