Excel Industries to open new facility, create 200 new jobs (Aug 10)

August 10, 2015 – Excel Industries Inc. recently announced that it will open a facility at Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) in Edgerton, Kan. Excel, which is headquartered in Hesston, Kan., plans to create 200 new jobs at LPKC. The company’s new worksite will include warehousing and distribution space and eventually manufacture an existing product line.

“We are excited about the possibility of making Kansas City the primary distribution center for our products,” said Excel Vice President Bob Mullet. “It puts us closer to the geographic center of our customers, and the strength of Kansas City as a national distribution point will allow us to serve our dealers in a more timely and cost-efficient manner.”

“Excel has been an outstanding Kansas manufacturer for more than five decades,” said Steve Kelly, Kansas Commerce deputy secretary. “It’s great to see the company continue to grow at its Hesston location and add a new facility in Edgerton. Excel’s track record of success highlights the advantages provided by Kansas’ business environment, workforce and infrastructure.”

In addition to its planned expansion in Edgerton, Excel expects continued growth of employment at its headquarters in Hesston during the next several years to facilitate the introduction of new product lines.

“We are thrilled that a growing Kansas-based company like Excel Industries selected a growing Kansas community like Edgerton for its new facility,” said Edgerton Mayor Donald Roberts. “Keeping companies like Excel Industries in Kansas is a win for all.”

“We are proud to join our partners in celebrating Excel’s decision to make the KC region part of the company’s future growth,” said Bob Marcusse, president and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. “KC competed against other established corporate markets, including Indianapolis, Nashville and Oklahoma City, for this expansion, and today welcomes hundreds of new jobs for our region.”

“The Harvey County Economic Development Council is excited to see the continued growth of Excel in the state of Kansas,” said Mickey Fornaro-Dean, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development Council. “This more than 50-year-old manufacturer has been a pioneer in its industry category and a strong influence in our region. We in Harvey County are proud to see their new initiatives and be a part of the growth for Hesston and the state of Kansas. As always, we wish Excel’s leadership and employees the best as they move forward in these new ventures.”

Partnering with Excel to support the company’s expansion are BNSF Railway, the city of Edgerton, the Harvey County Economic Development Council, the Kansas City Area Development Council, KC SmartPort, KCP&L, NorthPoint Development, Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Excel was founded in Hesston in 1960 and is a third-generation, family-owned business. It is one of the leading manufacturers of consumer and professional mowing equipment, sold through the Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mower Company brands. Excel exports its products to more than 30 countries. In 2013, Excel won the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year award.

Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) is a 1,500-acre, master-planned, distribution and warehouse development anchored by BNSF Railway’s newest state-of-the-art intermodal facility. Developed by NorthPoint Development, LPKC is strategically and centrally located in America’s heartland, perfectly positioned for the efficient shipment of goods for import and export – serving all points throughout the U.S. LPKC is an excellent location for warehouse and distribution centers. Visit www.logisticsparkkc.com for more information.