Lost in the announcement earlier this month of a possible Quik Trip coming to Emporia was likely unprecedented growth seen at an established local business.
The Quik Trip announcement made headlines during the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas’ monthly meeting. However, RDA President Kent Heerman says the explosive growth at Simmons Pet Food should be noted — and celebrated.
Simmons is now Emporia’s largest employer. The 470 jobs added by Simmons this year would put it fourth on Emporia’s list of overall manufacturing firms.
The Simmons expansion was part of Heermann’s year-end report. The job expansion is the direct result of a $100 million facility expansion effort and the relocation of employees from New Jersey to Emporia.
Heermann says the overall report was bittersweet. Alongside the Simmons expansion was the ending of operations for Detroit Reman, announced in February, although that loss has been offset to a large degree by the rapid growth at Dynamic Discs. Dynamic is close to taking over the Detroit Reman facility at 840 Overlander, while Emporia Enterprises has the authority to manage and market the current Dynamic address at 3601 West Sixth.
Looking ahead to 2021, Heermann says the RDA is in need of shovel-ready development sites to keep up with other places like Ottawa and McPherson. Another trend to follow: wage increases. Heermann says starting wages at manufacturers have increased and now range from at least $14.75 an hour to $18 an hour or more.
The full report likely will be made available next month.
