EDITORIAL: 'But wait, there's more ...'
Nov. 7—It's great to see all this investment in Joplin.
The latest: AEsir Technologies recently discussed a $54 million expansion and equipment investment with the Joplin City Council for its battery plant in the Crossroads Center Business and Distribution Park.
(AEsir is the operating arm of parent company ZAF Energy.)
AEsir said it expects to add the 350 jobs over the next six years.
That's not all. ...
That announcement comes on the heels of the governor's update last month about Refresco's $30.5 million expansion in Joplin, creating 40 jobs.
And that news followed General Mills' announcement in August of a $48 million expansion of its frozen dough plant in Joplin that will add approximately 50 jobs.
Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.
Tim Johnson, plant manager, said in a statement at the time. "This investment is an acknowledgment of the strong work ethic within the Joplin community and we're excited to expand our General Mills team."
The statement noted the more than 30,000-square-foot expansion will take employment at the General Mills plant from 525 to 575 people.
That's $134 million in just three investments — and more than 400 jobs.
But wait there's more. ... (We know, we're starting to sound like television pitchman Ron Popeil.)
Another $80 million has been invested to date in the 32nd Street Place development near 32nd Street and Hammons Boulevard. That investment includes:
—$33.6 million by B&B Theatres.
—Nearly $10 million in building permits by Menards for its new store, storage building and gatehouse at the entrance and exit to the lumber supply yard.
—$34.5 million by Springfield-based Ross Construction for new apartments.
Drew Snyder, president of the Nebraska-based Woodsonia development group and manager of Woodsonia-Joplin LLC, said recently that the $188 million mixed-use, retail and residential development for that area "has come together nicely."
Meanwhile, millions more are being invested downtown in a number of projects, the latest being $10 million in permits for the former Downtown Y, which will become 40 residential and a couple of commercial units; plans are coming together for the Creative Learning Alliance to open a STEAM-based science museum in the old Joplin Public Library, along with a $6.5 million capital campaign to remodel and furnish the building; construction slated of new buildings on Main Street ... we could go on.
It's not just the money and jobs these investments represent, but it is a signal, a vote of confidence for Joplin's future and in its people.
