Missouri Ends 2010 Strong with More Project Announcements

ST. LOUIS, MO, February 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Missouri Partnership, the state's non-profit business attraction and marketing organization, along with regional economic development teams in Missouri, successfully finalized three new deals in December: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Vest-Fiber and Nordic Windpower USA. The three companies are expected to bring a total of nearly 300 positions to the state, adding to the 15,000 new jobs created in Missouri through announced business expansions in 2010.

Working with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the state's local communities, Missouri Partnership helped recruit 13 companies to the state last year, including:

- IBM
- Unisys Corporation
- Trinity Architectural Products
- Linen King
- National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators
- Jet Midwest
- Frontier Airlines
- Alpla
- Intergenia AG
- Immunophotonics

These recruitment wins alone brought in 2,273 jobs, $113.1 million in new payroll, and $86.4 million in new capital.

In total, state and local economic development efforts resulted in 133 companies bringing new investments to Missouri in 2010. These projects are expected to translate to a capital investment of more than $853 million, with 9,272 new jobs and 6,709 retained jobs.

"These recent announcements demonstrate that Missouri is consistently recognized as one of the best places in the nation to do business. Our versatile resources accommodate the specific needs of each company we've recruited in 2010," said David Kerr, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "And the presence of these companies will benefit all Missourians. We look forward to preparing for similar ventures in 2011."

Christopher Chung, Chief Executive Officer of The Missouri Partnership, agreed. "It has been a solid 12 months," remarked Chung. "Missouri's numerous wins on the business recruitment front will contribute to the state's continued economic recovery. With all of the resources Missouri offers, we expect to see the streak of successful deals continue in the upcoming year, particularly in the state's targeted sectors."

Scotts Miracle-Gro Company announced on December 9 that Wright City will be the location of its Miracle-Gro growing media and Scotts Nature Scapes processing and distribution facility, bringing nearly $8 million in capital investment and immediately creating 14 new full-time jobs. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in March of this year, and an additional 11 jobs will be added as the facility progresses.

On December 13, Vest-Fiber, a supplier of fiberglass products and services primarily to the wind turbine industry, announced that Moberly was to be the location of its new manufacturing facility. The Denmark-based company will create 50 new local jobs with a capital investment of $2 million. The Moberly facility is scheduled to be operational by February.

Nordic Windpower USA announced on December 21 the relocation of both its headquarters and its wind turbine assembly plant to Kansas City. Formerly operating out Berkeley, Ca. and Pocatello, Id., Nordic will be consolidating its marketing, sales, finance, operations and manufacturing in one location, creating 235 new jobs with a capital investment of $16 million.

About The Missouri Partnership
Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to recruit new companies to Missouri. Through marketing Missouri's business advantages to companies in the U.S. and overseas, the Partnership seeks to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information about The Missouri Partnership visit: http://www.missouripartnership.com