As the world continues to navigate through mass disruption in the global supply chain, companies are reevaluating existing networks to manage risk and implementing strategies to minimize future vulnerabilities.
With this rapid change comes rapid growth. The value of global trade reached a record level of $28.5 trillion in 2021, a 25% increase compared to 2020 and 13% higher than in 2019. This growth has resulted in an increased demand for industrial space across the country.
The Kansas City region has the infrastructure, location and workforce to quickly respond to this increased demand and help optimize global supply chains. Located in both the geographic center of the U.S. (Kansas) and the population center (Missouri), the KC region is perfectly positioned in the nation’s heartland as a centralized inland logistics port.
With immediate access to all modes of transportation, Kansas City is one of the nation’s largest hubs for warehousing, distribution and manufacturing operations. The region sits at the intersection of four major U.S. Interstate Highways (I-35, I-70, I-29 and I-49) and has 30% more interstate miles per capita than any city in the nation. In addition, Kansas City is located along the Missouri River, the largest navigable inland waterway in the U.S.
Kansas City has seen multiple years of record industrial development, and we expect this trend to continue in 2022. Construction continues to flourish throughout the KC market, with a focus on Class-A spec development and build-to-suit projects. In 2021, the region surpassed the 300 million-SF total industrial footprint milestone, joining only 15 other U.S. markets with that level of space.
To speak to these global supply chain trends, Eugene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, will serve as the keynote speaker for KC SmartPort’s Annual Industry Briefing on the afternoon of April 13.
As chief of America’s top port and the busiest container port in North America, Seroka is responsible for managing a more than $1.7 billion budget, advancing major capital projects, growing trade volumes and promoting innovative, sustainable practices.
Examining current challenges and future opportunities for the global supply chain, the Annual Industry Briefing will share insight on how Kansas City delivers as a strategic logistics hub.
Additional featured speakers include Omar Tovar, Chief Logistics Officer with URBN, and Michelle Comerford, Project Director / Industrial & Supply Chain Practice Leader with Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co., to share their perspectives on the future of global supply chains and how Kansas City’s location and assets will continue to provide a strategic advantage.
Register now for the KC SmartPort Annual Industry Briefing.
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