Niagara Bottling to open new KCMO facility

Niagara Bottling, LLC, a family-owned beverage manufacturer headquartered in Diamond Bar, Calif., will soon open a new production facility in Kansas City, Mo.

“Niagara Bottling is excited to establish a second manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Missouri,” said Brian Hess, executive vice president for Niagara Bottling, LLC. “This new facility will allow Niagara to produce new beverage products and serve important customers in the Midwest.”

Niagara Bottling, LLC, will initially create nearly 100 jobs and invest approximately $156 million in a 634,000-SF facility at 11400 N. Airworld Drive.

Mark Long of Newmark Zimmer led the real estate search for this project.

“We want to congratulate Niagara Bottling on their expansion in the Kansas City region,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This investment and the new jobs it will create will provide even more opportunities for Missourians to support their families and advance their careers right here in our state.”

The company cited the Kansas City region’s central location, availability of skilled talent and strong community relationships as key drivers of its decision.

“We appreciate the highly competitive and attractive combination of location, infrastructure, logistics, and workforce in the Kansas City region,” said Hess. “Niagara has built a strong team and community relationships in Kansas City, and looks forward to maintaining our leadership in the areas of manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and overall environmental stewardship.”

The Kansas City region’s $226 billion food and beverage industry continues to see growth with more than 660 companies located in the area and a workforce of more than 25,000 employed in food and beverage manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.

“Niagara Bottling, LLC’s selection of Kansas City reinforces our region’s position as a growing hub for food and beverage logistics in the U.S.,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “We are pleased to welcome the new operation and are eager to watch the company expand.”

Overstock.com leases 517,000 SF in KCK, plans to hire 200

Overstock.com has leased 517,000 square feet for a new distribution center at 5300 Kansas Ave. in Kansas City, Kan. 

Luke Burbank and Kyle Roberts with Newmark Grubb Acres in Salt Lake City led the national site search for Overstock.com. Mark Long and John Hassler with Newmark Grubb Zimmer teamed with Newmark Grubb Acres to provide assistance with lease negotiations in the Kansas City region.  The building is owned by BH Properties based in Los Angeles, California. 

“Selecting Kansas City as the home of Overstock’s newest fulfillment center allows us to offer over 99 percent of our US customers two-day shipping options, improving shopping experiences by getting orders into the customer’s hands as soon as possible,” said Carroll Morale, Overstock.com vice president of supply chain. “We’re extremely thankful for all of the support and collaboration we’ve received from state and local officials and the Kansas City Area Development Council during this expansion process.”

Check out the official news release from KC SmartPort!

Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort, led economic development incentive efforts with regional partners including the State of Kansas Department of Commerce and the Wyandotte Economic Development Council. Overstock.com will begin to move in immediately and will employ up to 200 people.

“Kansas offers a great central location and the best workers in the country for any company looking to relocate here. We are thrilled that a successful company such as Overstock has selected Kansas City for its latest distribution center,” said Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D. “Opening for business in Kansas will provide Overstock.com with an excellent strategic location and creates hundreds of well-paying job opportunities for Kansans.”

KC developers and brokers weigh in after KC voters clear #NewKCI for takeoff

Kansas City, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved public financing for a new $1 billion single-terminal design for KCI. Local development leaders mounted a warrior-like effort to build the case for a new airport over the past month, educating voters about funding and regional business benefits.

Here’s what some of the region’s leading brokers and developers are saying about the vote:

"The new airport should be a big benefit to Kansas City in terms of business development in tourism. Right now connecting airlines are simply avoiding Kansas City, but in the future Kansas City will see increased connections and increased air traffic, and this will be great for new businesses that want to locate in our community." Ken Block, Managing Principal, Block Real Estate Services LLC

“The new KCI terminal is a very important step to for our metropolitan area to continue to compete and bring new business to the region.” –Mike Klamm, Managing Director, CBRE

“A new airport will put us in a position to achieve better connections to other major cities. That’s a must if we expect to attract and sustain Fortune 1000 companies.” –Owen Buckley, President, LANE4 Property Group, Inc.

"KCI airport is Kansas City’s 'front door' for both new companies considering a relocation or expansion of their operations. The convenience of direct flights to more destinations will result in more companies locating their central or regional distribution facilities in Kansas City.” -Ora Reynolds, President and CEO, Hunt Midwest

“The city government, civic and business communities put the time in to explain the importance of the vote, and the public responded.” -Jon Copaken, Principal, Copaken Brooks

“I am impressed by the effort of our Kansas City civic leaders. (This is similar to) bi-state or streetcar or other major big momentum changers, but this one is more important. Very big day for KC.” -Mark Long, Executive Managing Director/Principal, Newmark Grubb Zimmer

“This is a great day for the entire Kansas City metro area. The promise of a new KCI will have an immediate effect on our entire community, as we continue our steady ascent up the nationwide ladder of ‘best places to live and work’. Way to go KCMO voters!” -Nathan Anderson, NAI Heartland

“The new single terminal promises to usher in a wide array of new opportunities for the entire region. I’m excited for what that means for our city’s ability to grow and attract new businesses to the area.” –Russell Pearson, NAI Heartland