YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
The Springfield metro area fared well on a recently released report tracking U.S. food manufacturing hubs.
On the 2025 Best Places for Food Manufacturing Report from Global Location Strategies, the Springfield metro tied for No. 5 in the West North Central region made up of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, and the Queen City tied for 25th on the overall ranking of the 387 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas. The report factored location quality score and location-dependent operating costs, and individual criteria comprised demographics, education, workforce, industry ecosystem, logistics infrastructure, regulatory environment and attraction and quality of life.
The Springfield metro has an overall score of 82.97, which ties with Wichita, Kansas. The Springfield metro's No. 25 national ranking is up from No. 56 last year. A Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce news release announcing the ranking indicated “the jump reflects the region’s strong momentum and growing role in the U.S. food production supply chain.”
The chamber release pointed to Vital Farms, Kraft Heinz, McCormick & Co. Inc./The French’s Food Co. LLC, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. and the Erlen Group as key examples of food manufacturing occurring in the area. In the Springfield MSA, food manufacturing employs more than 3,000 people, or 16.2% of all manufacturing employment in the area, according to the release.
“Food manufacturing is a cornerstone of the Springfield economy,” said Jonas Arjes, senior vice president of economic development at the Springfield chamber, in the release. “This ranking reinforces what we already know – that our region’s talented workforce, strong industry network and supportive business climate make Springfield an ideal location for growth and investment."
Global Location Strategies, a site-selection and location strategy organization, ranks Kansas City as No. 1 in the West North Central region. Warner Robins, Georgia, is the top MSA on the national list.
The report notes that the West North Central region accounted for around 18% of all food manufacturing projects nationwide between 2023 and 2024.
Boutique and beauty services shop Sugar & Glow moved Sept. 4 to newly constructed space at 411 W. Commercial St., Ste. B.
I'm surprised to see that carbonated soft drinks are considered to be "food."