The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that East Technology Park, located in Mexico, is now a Missouri Certified Site. As a Missouri Certified Site, the 43-acre Technology Park indicates it is ready for companies looking to establish business in Mexico.
“We’re excited for East Technology Park to join Missouri’s growing list of shovel-ready sites,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “DED is proud to assist communities through the Missouri Certified Sites program to attract investments that help Missourians prosper.”
As a Certified Site of the Missouri Certified Sites program, East Technology Park joins more than 45 other sites statewide that are recognized as development-ready. Certified sites meet rigorous standards intended to reduce risk and accelerate a company’s relocation or expansion. The certification process evaluates key factors such as utility availability, site access, environmental considerations, land use compatibility, and potential development costs.
“Certified Sites provide developers with locations designed to accelerate project timelines and mitigate risks for expanding businesses,” said Bruce R. Slagle, City Manager for the City of Mexico. “Mexico completed rigorous site preparation up front; like environmental studies, utility verification, and zoning clearance. These pre-site selection activities reduce developer uncertainty, lower construction costs, and allow businesses to start building much faster.”
“Achieving state certification for this 43-acre site in the City of Mexico is more than an important milestone—it positions our community to compete for the next generation of investment,” said Gigi Quinlan McAreavy, Director of Economic Development for the City of Mexico. “Our community has always been defined by the strength of its agricultural heritage. Coupled with our proximity to one of Missouri's largest concentrations of announced private investment—including the transformational Google and Amazon developments in a neighboring county—our region is uniquely positioned to support new and expanding businesses. Today, with a state-certified site, we are well positioned to build on that legacy and welcome the industries that will shape our economy for decades to come.”
Purchased by the City of Mexico and Audrain County, East Technology Park is centrally located with high visibility 1 mile from four-lane U.S. Route 54. This location connects the community and businesses to Interstate 70, offering excellent access to both domestic and international markets. Mexico’s Agri-Ready designation, strong agricultural foundation, strategic transportation access, and market-ready infrastructure create exceptional opportunities for food processing, advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and other industries to establish their business at East Technology Park.
About Missouri Certified Sites
The purpose of the Missouri Certified Sites Program is to define benchmarks consistent with national economic development industry standards regarding the availability and potential of commercial or industrial development sites. Certification is performed through a comprehensive review of many of the issues facing businesses as they search for areas to relocate or expand. These include the availability of utilities, site access, environmental concerns, land use conformance, and site development costs.
Communities seeking site certification can submit applications year-round. Missouri’s growing list of development-ready Certified Sites is available on DED’s website.
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.