May 2007

Kansas City SmartPort E-News

Fast Fact

Kansas City’s standing as a major player in warehousing and distribution received a significant boost last month. Dan Jensen of Kessinger/Hunter is developing a 600,000-square-foot spec warehouse/distribution building. It will sit on 40 acres southwest of 167th Street and Lone Elm Road in south Olathe. This marks KC’s first and largest spec development for the warehousing/distribution industry.

3PLs Reach Record Revenue

An article in the April 23rd issue of TrafficWorld reports that, “third party logistics providers’ revenue has set a new record, topping $113 billion for the first time in 2006.” This represents a 9.5 percent increase over 2005.

According to the article, continued expansion in China and the Asia-Pacific markets, as well as increased outsourcing by U.S. and European manufacturers, contributed to the 3PLs’ growth. This is great news for Kansas City.

KC’s significant 3PL players include Wagner Industries, AIT Worldwide Logistics, BAX Global, Osborn Hessey and C.H. Robinson. These companies provide important visibility to KC’s role as a global trade leader, serving clients nationally and worldwide.

Mega Warehouses in KC Area - Commercial Journal's "Jurassic Sized Storage"

In the May issue of Commercial Journal-Kansas City, six industrial projects received recognition as part of a regional “phenomenon.” According to the magazine, “Companies are building large warehouses, distribution hubs of Jurassic proportions.” The article brings further attention to the significant increase in KC’s warehousing and distribution inventory – emphasizing the region’s growing role in the global supply chain. Click here  to read the entire story.


TDE Update - KC SmartPort's Trade Data Exchange Moves into Phase I Development

SmartPort and its technology partner, EDS, started development of the first phase of the TDE.  In meetings, initial corporate stakeholders identified 500+ business requirements for freight exportation from Kansas City to points in Mexico. 

These business requirements and the related trade documentation are automated in the TDE.  "Enter the data once, use it multiple times," can be the summary characteristic of Phase I.  Interested companies should contact Chris Gutierrez for more information.


Investor Profile - The Allen Group

A privately held real estate development firm founded by Chief Executive Officer Richard S. Allen, The Allen Group specializes in the development of high-end industrial, office, retail and mixed-use properties throughout the United States. The Company's major focus is the development of rail-served industrial parks — “inland ports” — that are high-tech logistics and distribution hubs.

With over 8,000 acres under development across the United States, the Company has become a national leader in the development of rail and intermodal-served industrial parks - "inland ports" - that are high-tech logistics and distribution hubs.

Based in San Diego, with regional offices in Bakersfield & Visalia (Calif.), Dallas and Kansas City, The Allen Group has earned the confidence and respect of a strong portfolio of nationally recognized clients, including VF Corporation, ChevronTexaco, Cox Communications, Wal-Mart Stores, FedEx, Kraft Foods, Intuit and International Paper. 

For more information about please visit The Allen Group.

DR-CAFTA Seminar

The United States exported $19.6 billion in goods to Central America in 2006. The states of Kansas and Missouri contributed $181 million in exports of mainly transportation equipment and processed foods. This is more than the majority of our Midwest neighbors.

Join KC SmartPort and the ITC on May 9 from 7:30am-12:30pm at the Kauffman Foundation to learn more about our international trade partners in Central America.  Attendees will hear an overview of doing business in the CAFTA region by Emily Gereffi, International Trade Specialist, US Department of Commerce; as well as insight from a local panel of private industry leaders.

The Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, commonly called DR-CAFTA , is a free trade agreement among the United States and the Central American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

KC SmartPort is committed to growing the KC region’s trade relationship with Central America through a grant received from the Department of Commerce. 

To register for the event please visit ITC.