Genie Recon plans expansion, creation of 243 jobs

Genie Recon, an advanced remanufacturer of telescopic boom lifts, announced July 15 that it will expand in Springfield, investing $11.5 million and creating 243 jobs.

The SRC Holdings Corp. venture launched this year. Genie Recon is a partnership between SRC and Genie Lifts, an aerial lift manufacturer based in Washington state.

At least 60 employees are now working at the 136,000-square-foot-facility at 2065 E. Pythian St. A ribbon-cutting and open house were planned for July 15.

Company officials said the new positions will be in planning, production, maintenance, engineering and warehouse roles, with a particular need for technicians experienced in heavy equipment service and repair.

The company plans to add to its remanufacturing capability for the electronic and hydraulic systems inside these machines, a step toward Genie Recon operating as a standalone reconditioning business, according to a news release.

“Genie Recon’s continued investment in Springfield is another example of Missouri companies innovating, growing and creating opportunities for Missourians,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe, in the release.

“This expansion strengthens our state’s advanced manufacturing while creating high-quality jobs that will benefit families and the Springfield region for years to come.”

The release said equipment restored by the company is fully disassembled, inspected and rebuilt.

“Our repeatable processes produce quality products, and keeping up with growing demand requires maintaining that discipline as we scale,” said Chris Merrifield, president of Genie Recon, in the release. “Our expansion plans represent a long-term investment in both capability and careers. We are investing in people, those with experience and those eager to learn, as we continue to build workforce development opportunities here in Springfield.”

Michelle Hataway, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, said the investment is a win for Springfield.

“By creating more than 200 new, high-quality jobs, this project does more than just expand a facility, it provides sustainable career pathways that will support area families and directly boost the local economy,” Hataway said in the release. “We are thrilled to see this collaboration thrive in southwest Missouri, strengthening our workforce, reinforcing our supply chains and driving long-term prosperity for the entire Springfield community.”

The company offers technical training and tuition reimbursement programs, according to the release.

Genie Recon will benefit from the Missouri Works Program, which provides access to capital through withholdings or tax incentives for job creation. The release said the company is expected to receive $1.4 million through the program.

“This is a great example of what happens when a homegrown company like SRC keeps reinvesting in our region,” said Jonas Arjes, senior vice president of economic development at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “Genie Recon strengthens our advanced remanufacturing base and builds on a long history of that sector in our community. SRC has a long track record of building businesses that last, and this new partnership with Genie Lifts is the next chapter of that story.”

In early July, the company announced plans to add at least 30 new employees by the end of 2026.