Joplin business community gets defense research money

The 2005 Department of Defense Appropriations Act that was passed June 22 by the U.S. House of Representatives includes $5 million for new defense research that will initially be based in the Joplin Chamber of Commerce's Newman Technology and Innovation Center.

"These projects are important not only to our national defense, but the economic growth and prosperity of Joplin," Congressman Roy Blunt said in a news release. Blunt secured the Joplin research funds.

Government Enterprise Management Systems is a new venture preparing to open offices in Joplin and hire as many as a dozen employees by early 2005.

The company focuses on enterprise technology for the government.

But there are several local companies adding jobs in the Joplin-Neosho area.

"The economy is growing in southwest Missouri. In the Joplin Metropolitan Area of Jasper and Newton counties, more than 2,500 new jobs have been added in the last two years. That's complete recovery of the jobs lost in the prior two years. We anticipate continued job growth in the coming year," said Rob O'Brian, executive director of the Joplin Chamber of Commerce.

Employee increases

K & S Wire Production is expanding for the fourth time. In 2003, the company added 3,000 square feet. This year, 10,000 square feet and 10 to 15 new jobs have been added.

Nutra-Blends of Neosho is adding 24,000 square feet and 10 employees.

The Great Outdoor Growth Company is investing $15 million in a new distribution center that has added 150 new jobs since January. The company expects to add another 100 employees in the remainder of the year.

System & Service Technologies, which is owned by JP Morgan, has moved into the former Wal-Mart building on West Seventh Street with 250 employees.

The company expects employment to triple in the next three years.

Mid-America Precision Products has seen employment increase from 130 jobs to 190 in 18 months.

The company is pushing production to three shifts seven days a week to keep pace with demand for its custom-designed metal work.

Joplin-based Richardson's Candy House, which also has a Springfield location, will add 10 to 15 jobs to its Branson shop this year.

Gracie's Gear, a solo start-up company, specializes in women's clothing for motorcycle travel.

Commissioned salespeople are being hired as demand for the company's products increases.

KMO Corporation is branching out to manufacture a line of motorcycle trailers, and employees are responding to strong market demand.

Positive variables

"Consumer demand remains strong for houses and manufactured goods; interest rates remain low and inflation is in check; after-tax incomes for families are growing; and government at all levels is seeing revenues rise and deficits fall," Blunt said. Blunt said he believes that many companies are adding jobs based in part on the new tax incentives Congress enacted last year.