In the heart of Missouri, a seismic shift is underway in the construction industry. EquipmentShare, a Columbia, Missouri-based unicorn, has set its sights on the Midwest, opening a sprawling 49,000-square-foot hub in eastern Jackson County. This isn’t just a new branch; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to revolutionizing construction and industrial work in the region. The facility, nestled at 3320 S. Outer Belt Road in Grain Valley, represents a staggering $21 million investment, encompassing property costs, equipment value, and salaries for the first year of new jobs. This move underscores EquipmentShare’s dedication to fostering growth and innovation in the construction sector.
Jabbok Schlacks, CEO and co-founder of EquipmentShare, emphasized the significance of this investment. “This new branch represents a significant investment in the Grain Valley community and our larger commitment to supporting the growth of construction across the Midwest,” Schlacks said. “We are proud to bring our People First culture and next-generation technology to this region and continue building the future of construction — together with our customers and team members.”
The Grain Valley Advanced Solutions flagship store is more than just a rental facility; it’s a comprehensive hub designed to support the entire lifecycle of construction projects. The branch boasts service bays, a paint room, a dedicated training hub, and secure “hard down” zones for large equipment like semis. This isn’t just a place to rent equipment; it’s a problem-solving center where timelines are met, and teams are supported to do their best work. Tyrel Wagner, general manager of the Grain Valley branch, highlighted the facility’s contractor-centric design. “We’ve designed this facility with the contractor in mind — from the layout of our service bays to the technology that powers our operations,” Wagner said. “This isn’t just a place to rent equipment — it’s a hub where problems get solved, timelines get met and teams get the support they need to do their best work. We’re excited to bring this level of service to the Grain Valley community and beyond.”
The impact of this investment extends beyond the construction industry. The Grain Valley site is expected to manage $10 to $15 million in original equipment cost (OEC) and support 15 good-paying jobs, with 12 employees already hired. This influx of employment opportunities is a boon for the local economy, providing stable, well-paying jobs that can transform lives and communities.
The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, planned for Wednesday, marked more than just the unveiling of a new facility. It was a celebration of EquipmentShare’s commitment to the community. As part of this commitment, the company presented a $2,500 donation to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity. This donation will support the organization’s mission to provide safe, affordable housing to families in Eastern Jackson County. Christina Leakey, president and CEO of Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, expressed her gratitude. “Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be awarded this significant Community Giving Award from EquipmentShare as they open their newest branch in Grain Valley,” Leakey said. “The missions of both organizations align well, with both helping to improve communities building better futures — not just through technology and equipment, but through people, partnerships and purpose. We couldn’t be more grateful to have been selected!”
The Grain Valley branch is poised to be a game-changer in the construction industry. By leveraging EquipmentShare’s proprietary T3™ technology, which connects assets, people, and workflows across the jobsite, the branch aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This technology is expected to power all rental operations at the Grain Valley branch, ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently.
The opening of the Grain Valley hub is more than just a business expansion; it’s a strategic move that aligns with EquipmentShare’s vision of a more sustainable and efficient construction industry. By investing in technology, training, and community support, EquipmentShare is setting a new standard for construction companies nationwide. This move is likely to inspire other industry players to follow suit, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in the construction sector.
The ripple effects of this investment are already being felt in the community. Local contractors and critical industries stand to benefit from the advanced solutions and support offered by the Grain Valley branch. Keith Stiffler, president of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce, welcomed EquipmentShare to the community. “We’re honored to welcome EquipmentShare to Grain Valley and see this level of investment in our community,” Stiffler said. “This new location brings quality jobs and innovative solutions that will benefit local contractors and critical industries throughout our region.”
As EquipmentShare continues to expand its footprint, the construction industry is poised for a transform