Kaw Valley Companies has launched a utilities division and added three new managers to its leadership team to support growth in that market.

KVC hired Darrell Kidwell to lead its utilities division, along with superintendents Shawn Schmalstieg and Rusty Shorten.

"We see significant opportunities in the utilities segment, with a potential to grow our business by 20-25 percent," said Jason Jacobson, KVC vice president of operations.

Kaw Valley Companies employs 146 full-time employees across five major business segments, including excavating, sand and gravel, wrecking and demolition, recycling and utilities.

Major site development projects completed by KVC recently include General Motors' 840,000-square-foot project in the Fairfax Industrial District, three buildings at the Three Trails Industrial Park, and Sioux Chief's 600,000-square foot facility in south Kansas City.

The company also managed demolition of the former Bannister Mall, Indian Springs Mall, and Power & Light building in downtown Kansas City.

In addition, KVC operates Port KC's Woodswether Terminal in the West Bottoms, as well as the Port of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Mo.