JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—Today the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced that five companies are expanding in Missouri with plans to create 272 new jobs at a total capital investment of $32,175,000.
“We worked hard alongside our partners to help these companies create new jobs in Missouri,” Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development Rob Dixon said. “It’s exciting to see that work pay off, and we look forward to building a relationship that leads to further growth and job creation in the future.”
The state and local partners that worked together on these projects included the Missouri Partnership, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis Regional Chamber, Kirksville Regional Economic Development Inc., Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Chillicothe.
Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., through its subsidiary, Confluence Discovery Technologies, Inc. (CDT) which specializes in drug discovery research on challenging drug targets, autoimmunity, immuno-oncology and preclinical and clinical biomarker development, is expanding in St. Louis, Missouri with plans to create up to 16 new jobs. CDT develops proprietary new drugs and serves as a research partner for pharma and biotech companies in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, biomarker development, immunology, in vivo efficacy models and medicinal chemistry.
Advanced Machining & Automation Inc (AMA), a custom manufacturing equipment builder, is relocating its headquarters to Lancaster, Missouri with plans to create 50 new jobs. Since 1998, AMA has been designing and manufacturing automated machinery. AMA works closely with its clients from concept to creation.
Multiply, a premium digital publisher and analytics platform that develops, acquires, and invests in digital brands led by subject-matter enthusiasts, is expanding in St. Louis, Missouri with plans to create 55 new jobs. The company recently executed a lease to move its operations to City Foundry STL.
Russell Cellular, a wireless communication services company, is expanding in Springfield, Missouri with plans to create 135 new jobs. The company has also announced plans to build a new 40,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters facility. Russell Cellular established its first corporate office in Springfield in 1994, and continued to grow following the merger of Alltel and Verizon in 2008.
Sonoco Plastics, a manufacturer of thermoformed plastic food containers, has plans to create 16 new jobs in Chillicothe, Missouri. Sonoco is a $5 billion global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and packaging supply chain services. Operations consist of its global consumer packaging businesses, display and packaging division, industrial businesses, and Protective Solutions division.