By Chance Chamberlain
Cass County received confirmation last week that more than 1,200 jobs will becoming by 2023.
Chewy, Inc. announced the opening of a new 800,000-square-foot eCommerce fulfillment center in Belton. Chewy is an online retailer of pet food and pet related products. The decision to open the fulfillment center in Belton creates new opportunities for the city and the county.
Carolyn Yatsook, economic development director for the city of Belton said, “We are proud of the collaborative effort between local, regional and state economic development organizations to bring this project to the city of Belton.
“It will be a welcome sight to have a nationally known and well-respected brand such as Chewy, Inc. at the gateway to Belton and Cass County. The Southview Commerce Center is highly visible from I-49,” she said.
Belton Mayor Jeff Davis added, “I am delighted that Chewy, Inc. has chosen Northpoint Development’s Southview Commerce Center in the great city of Belton to be home to its newest eCommerce fulfillment center. This 800,000-square-foot project will complete the commerce center and will bring more than 1,200 new jobs to our community.
“I know that I speak on behalf of the city council when I say how excited we are about the opportunities this project creates for our city,” he said.
The four-month process to commence the project began at the beginning of the stay–at-home mandate which caused meetings to move online via conference calls and Zoom meetings. The new Chewy’s operation at the Southview Commerce Center will be one of the largest fulfillment centers in its network by square footage. Chewy was founded in 2011 and operates out of 15 locations with more than 6.1 million-square-feet of fulfillment across the United States. The online retail company offers pet products from more than 2,000 brands.
Chewy, Inc. Vice President of Communications and Public Relations Diane Pelkey said, “We are thrilled to open up our first fulfillment center in Missouri and continue to grow our team. We’re so excited to be a part of the community and look forward to having a presence in the region.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said the new jobs created by Chewy, Inc. will only strengthen the economy in Missouri.
“Now more than ever, Missouri’s innovative businesses, logistics infrastructure and talented workforce are critical to our economy. Chewy, Inc.’s decision to expand in Belton and create new jobs for Missouri families is a testament to our ongoing business strengths even as we work to recover from COVID-19,” he said. “We welcome Chewy to Missouri and look forward to working together as the company grows and invests in our state.”
Chewy, Inc. fulfillment center is expected to open for operation in July 2021.
