February 2007

Kansas City SmartPort E-News

Fast Fact

The Paseo Bridge, which takes Interstate 35 over the Missouri River, handles more than 95,000 vehicles a day making it the most used bridge in Kansas City.

KC Improves Traffic on NAFTA Corridor

The Federal Highway Administration gave Missouri highway planners the green light to upgrade the Paseo Bridge and widen about four miles of Interstate-29/35, a key link along the NAFTA Corridor. Construction on the $245 million project will begin this fall.

Large DCs Look to KC

KC attracted some of its largest distribution centers to the region last year. A panel of real estate experts predicts that trend to continue in 2007.Read more on why developers’ give the area’s real estate a thumbs up.

KCI Focuses on Real Estate for Growth

Kansas City International Airport known for its affordable flights is now looking at strategies on the ground to propel its growth. The airport is developing 640 acres of land with CB Richard Ellis. CB Richard Ellis plans to break ground on a 300,000-square-foot distribution center on the site later this year. The facility will be the first big box speculative construction in the metro.

Qualified Labor Shortage Top Concern for DCs

According to a recent article in the Journal of Commerce, labor availability in growing distribution hubs has long been a front-burner issue. While KC is a rapidly growing hub, the region continues to have an ample workforce. In fact, recent distribution centers have located to the area for this reason. A few years ago, a major DC located in the area and had 1,000 applicants per its 500 positions.

KCTA Industry Day Expo

Don't miss KC’s largest trade show of transportation services! The Kansas City Transportation Association's Industry Day Expo will take place on Feb. 22, 2007 at Harrah’s Convention Center in KC. Learn more about KCTA Industry Day 2007.

SMARTPORT INVESTOR PROFILE: Heubel Material Handling, Inc.

Heubel Material Handling, Inc. provides companies in the manufacturing and distribution industries with Raymond’s broad line of pallet trucks, counterbalanced trucks and narrow aisle equipment. The company’s mission is to increase productivity and reduce materials handling costs. Learn more about Heubel’s product offerings and services.