A stable and productive work force, central location, lower-than-average cost of doing business and an efficient transportation network are just a few of the many reasons why a variety of companies find Kansas to be the right fit for their business needs.

Home to the fourth largest rail system in the nation, the centerpiece of the NAFTA Corridor, and inland waterways connecting to the Missouri River, the Sunflower State is a natural fit for companies that are dependent on logistical assets.

And, you can’t get much more central than Kansas.

Which was one of the biggest reasons why Auth-Florence Manufacturing decided in January to set up shop in Manhattan, Kan., also known as the “Little Apple.”

The Chicago-based maker of metal postal boxes for commercial and residential markets was impressed with the work force in Manhattan and the state’s central geographical location for distribution.

However, the company was also swayed by the pro-business attitude at the state and local levels. An incentive package combining work force training, state tax credits and exemptions, and local industrial revenue bond financing also helped secure the deal.

Auth-Florence, which boasts such clients as the Empire State Building in New York City, the John Hancock Building in Chicago and Kansas State University, considered dozens of potential locations in five Midwestern states before ultimately selecting Manhattan.

“As our business expands, it has become imperative that we find a manufacturing location offering the greatest opportunities for continued success,” said , Dave Dailey, president of Auth-Florence. “Manhattan provided the best choice for Auth-Florence Manufacturing.”

Construction is underway on the $10 million project, which will take shape in Manhattan’s Corporate Technology Park located next to the Manhattan Regional Airport. The project is expected to generate more than 250 jobs during the next three years.

While one of Kansas’ smaller communities, Manhattan is home to a versatile work force and trendy quality of life thanks to a local resident: 20,000-students-strong Kansas State University.

Major Projects Unfolding

Other business projects have been steadily unfolding around the Sunflower State in recent months.

Construction is underway on a new Target distribution center slated to open in Topeka in 2004. The project will create about 650 new jobs.

The No. 2 discount retailer in the country is building a 1.3 million square foot distribution center, which will serve as a clearinghouse for wholesale merchandise that will then be distributed to Target stores in the region.

In Central Kansas, Abbott Laboratories announced that it would undertake a $50 million expansion at its manufacturing plant in McPherson.

Nearly 150 new jobs will result from the expansion, which will add to Abbott’s biologics manufacturing capacity. About 80,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity, laboratory and office space will be added to the existing 300,000 square foot plant.

“We expect McPherson to make a significant contribution to Abbott’s ability to meet the growing worldwide demand for our products,” said William Gately, plant manager of McPherson Operations, Hospital Products Division, Abbott Laboratories. “The decision to expand our facility in McPherson was strongly influenced by the commitment and strong work ethic of the employees, the favorable business climate and quality of life in the community, and the cooperative support of local officials and the Kansas Department of Commerce & Housing.”

The Greater Kansas City Metro has seen a fair amount of business projects in recent months, as well.

AZ Automotive announced it would establish a facility in Lenexa to provide automotive suspension components to the GM-Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kan. The company anticipates hiring about 75 people for the $6 million facility.

And one of the biggest projects in the state’s recent history included the news that Atlanta-based Serologicals Corp. would build its new EX-CYTE® manufacturing facility in Lawrence, just west of the Kansas City Metro.

“We are very pleased with our decision to construct the new EX-CYTE manufacturing facility in Lawrence, Kansas,” said David A. Dodd, president and CEO of Serologicals. “We believe the positive business climate and the growing life sciences community in the Kansas City area, led by the University of Kansas and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute Inc., will enhance our ability to attract and retain high quality personnel at this new facility.”

EX-CYTE is a leading serum-free cell culture supplement for use in the biotechnology industry.

Rachael Hedgcoth is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan.