Keep Supply to relocate downtown, add 100 jobs

Last edited 11:44 a.m., Feb. 13, 2025 [Editor's note: Information from Missouri State University has been added.]

A Springfield industrial parts and equipment distributor that's been on a growth trajectory in recent years is making a move downtown as part of expansion plans.

Keep Supply, which currently operates at 601 N. National Ave., Ste. 102, is targeting a summer relocation to 117 Park Central Square, a building owned by David Properties that previously was used by Missouri State University since the early 2000s, according to a news release. With the move, the company expects to expand its workforce by roughly 100 positions over the next several years.

“We are excited to bring our growing company to downtown Springfield,” said Drake Hughes, partner and president of Keep Supply, in the release. “This move provides our team with a vibrant, energy-filled location with some of our city's best restaurants, coffee shops and amenities right out the door. We trust our team culture will only stoke the fire of a growing downtown.”

Keep Supply is set to occupy newly remodeled space on the second and third floors of the 110,000-square-foot building on Park Central Square. Davis Properties intends to maintain a portion of the ground floor for potential retail or office uses.

“We are excited to welcome Keep Supply to Park Central Square and look forward to the positive economic impact their presence will bring to the downtown community,” said Patrick Harrington, manager of Davis Properties, in the release.

Emily Letterman, public relations strategist for MSU, said the university in December vacated the 117 Park Central Square building, which had housed the Center for Resource Planning and Management and some classes through the school's colleges of business and education, among other uses. Letterman said MSU also vacated the Levy/Wolf Building at 110 Park Central Square, relocating services between the two buildings to MSU-owned facilities on campus.

"Vacating the (Park Central Office Building) and the Levy/Wolf Building is about $1.3 million annually in rent that we'll save," Letterman said.

Keep Supply, which distributes industrial parts and equipment for food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, ranked No. 1 in May 2024 on Springfield Business Journal's fast-growth Dynamic Dozen list. The company reported $31.9 million in 2023 revenue, a 175.6% jump from 2021-23. The company's 2021-23 workforce count grew 219% to 67 employees.

The company’s website additionally lists a Springfield fulfillment center at 3107 E. Chestnut Expressway.