Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. announced today it will expand its operations in Cooper County by opening a manufacturing facility in Boonville and create more than 270 new jobs in the area.

According to a press release, the new facility will help the company meet increasing demand for general purpose engines used in lawn and garden products.

Director of Economic Development of Boonville Gigi Quinlan McAreavy says bringing Kawasaki to Boonville was a team effort between investors, the county and company.

The President and CEO of Kawasaki Motors, Joe Tabata, says he believes the addition of the company will benefit both the community and company.

Plant Manager/Deputy Director of Administration Anita Coulter discussed the process of beginning the new facility.

The company credits the state’s workforce development program, Missouri One Start as a factor enabling continued expansion in the state. Kawasaki has used the state’s training programs for nearly 30 years, most recently creating 110 new jobs in Maryville in 2020 with assistance from Missouri One Start. The average wage of the positions being created at the Boonville facility is well above the average for Cooper County.

Officials say work on the new facility is set to begin this month, with the start of production planned for May 2022. Kawasaki has manufacturing facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska and Maryville, Missouri.