by Noah Taborda, Kansas Reflector
Topeka — Gov. Laura Kelly touted Tuesday a food company’s $110 million investment for an automated distribution center in Olathe that could create more than 125 new jobs.
The distribution complex for Smithfield Foods, a “vertically integrated” food company and the world’s largest pork producer, will span near 20 million cubic feet. The facility modification will decrease costs and increase reliability for the company to handle and transport goods.
The governor said the project represents a win for the whole state.
“Lineage Logistics’ decision to build the Smithfield Foods distribution center in Kansas is confirmation that our central location, strong infrastructure and world-class workforce are exactly what companies need to expand business operations,” Kelly said. “Their investment helps solidify our role as a 21st century hub for transportation, logistics and distribution.”
Lineage designed the warehouse to be state of the art, including 18 automated cranes, the largest temperature-controlled layer-picking systems in the world and more, to decrease the cost of operation.
“This advanced, state-of-the-art, fully-automated new facility speaks volumes to the innovation we are excited to have in the state, said Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Both Lineage and Smithfield exemplify the type of businesses we are working to attract and retain, and we are excited about their new investment in Kansas.”
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