The Department of Economic Development (DED), alongside state and local leaders, today celebrated the grand opening of a storage facility in South Kansas City developed by Americold Realty Trust in partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The project marks a major milestone in Missouri’s logistics sector and highlights the state’s strategic role in supporting cross-border commerce and supply chain innovation.
“Americold’s new facility is an exciting development for the Kansas City area and its thriving logistics sector,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Missouri’s affordability, strategic location, and access to infrastructure continue to encourage investment and job creation. We’re proud to see an industry leader like Americold choose our state while further strengthening the local economy.”
The 335,000-square-foot facility, developed in collaboration with CPKC, is expected to create nearly 190 new jobs and will serve as a key hub for CPKC’s Mexico Midwest Express (MMX) service, North America’s only single-line rail service for refrigerated shippers between the U.S. Midwest and Mexico.
“This is more than infrastructure – it’s a fully integrated solution that connects food producers to consumers faster and more efficiently,” said George Chappelle, CEO of Americold. “By combining our cold storage capabilities and food flow expertise with CPKC’s rail network through Kansas City, we’re creating a new North American cold chain that delivers real value to our customers. Simply put, we’ve unlocked a better way to move food.”
Americold’s plans to establish the facility were first announced in February 2024. A groundbreaking followed in April 2024.
“Americold’s grand opening represents an exciting step forward for our transportation sector,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re excited to see how this company’s investment will create new opportunities across the state.”
Americold’s new facility received support from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
What others are saying
“This grand opening marks the realization of a shared vision,” said Keith Creel, President and CEO of CPKC. “This facility is the first of many across our unrivaled North American network. By combining Americold with our secure, single-line cross-border service, we have created a new refrigerated supply chain for our customers shipping food and other temperature-controlled products across Canada, the United States and Mexico.”
“Kansas City proudly welcomes Americold to our thriving business landscape,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “With direct rail connectivity through CPKC and a talented local workforce, this new facility highlights how strategic partnerships can reshape industries and accelerate innovation. We’re excited to be at the center of that transformation.”
“Americold’s investment in Kansas City not only brings new jobs - it brings opportunity,” said Tracey Lewis, President & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “This project strengthens our logistics infrastructure and creates pathways for local talent to thrive in a fast-growing sector. It’s the kind of momentum we love to see for our city and our people.”
“It is always exciting when a company opens its doors in Missouri,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Americold is joining nearly 20,000 distribution and logistics companies in the state who are benefitting from Missouri’s central location, solid infrastructure, and low business costs.”
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
About Missouri One Start
Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.