EaglePicher Technologies is making waves in the defense and aerospace manufacturing sectors with a bold $20.9 million expansion at its Joplin, Missouri headquarters. This move not only solidifies the company’s commitment to growth but also underscores Missouri’s burgeoning reputation as a prime business destination. With an eye on the future, EaglePicher is set to create 100 new jobs, a significant boost for the local economy that promises to pay well above the county average.
Matt Housh, General Manager of EaglePicher’s Energetics Business Unit, expressed the excitement surrounding this endeavor, stating, “This investment will position EaglePicher’s energetics business for significant growth, while strengthening our ability to respond to current demands in a premier defense and aerospace manufacturing facility.” This sentiment is echoed by Governor Mike Parson, who highlighted the importance of such expansions in reinforcing Missouri’s infrastructure and skilled workforce. The state is clearly becoming a hotbed for companies looking to tap into a pool of talent and resources that can support advanced manufacturing.
The new facility will be equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing technology, featuring semi-automatic capabilities and advanced software for data retrieval and tracking. This is not just a simple upgrade; it’s a strategic move to enhance efficiency and output in a field that is increasingly competitive. EaglePicher has a storied history, having launched a battery into space with NASA’s Explorer 1 satellite back in 1958. The company’s legacy in battery technology and energetic devices positions it well for future innovations, particularly as the demand for advanced energy solutions continues to rise.
On another front, CAM Construction Services is also making strides in Missouri, expanding its cabinet manufacturing division, Heritage Wood Mills, to Glasgow. With a $925,000 investment, the company aims to create 30 new jobs, further emphasizing the region’s potential as a manufacturing hub. Clint Jacobs, CEO of CAM Construction Services, highlighted the significance of this move, stating, “We’re excited to bring our operations to Glasgow, creating jobs and strengthening local manufacturing while enhancing our ability to serve customers throughout the region.”
The choice of Glasgow as a site for expansion speaks volumes about the local workforce and the pro-business environment that Missouri fosters. Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, remarked on the state’s rich history of craftsmanship and innovation, which CAM’s expansion builds upon. This kind of investment not only creates jobs but also revitalizes rural communities, making them more resilient and economically diverse.
Both EaglePicher and CAM Construction Services exemplify how strategic investments in manufacturing can reshape local economies. As these companies expand, they not only contribute to job creation but also foster a culture of innovation and quality that can attract other businesses to the region. The ripple effects of these expansions could very well set the stage for Missouri to become a leading player in advanced manufacturing and defense sectors, positioning it favorably in the national landscape.
As we look to the future, the implications of these developments are profound. They signal a shift towards a more robust manufacturing base in Missouri, one that embraces technological advancements and a skilled workforce. With the right support and continued investment, the state could very well become a beacon for companies seeking to innovate and thrive in an increasingly complex global market.
