Sealy & Company’s Presence in Kansas City
Sealy & Company, a fully integrated commercial real estate investment and operating company and recognized industrial real estate market leader, has established a significant presence in the Kansas City market over the past seven years. During this period, we have owned and managed 3.3 MM SF of industrial real estate. Today, Sealy maintains our foothold in Kansas City, owning 19 properties totaling 2.3 MM SF. Commercial real estate investment decisions require comprehensive market knowledge, the anticipation of real estate trends, and a thorough understanding of market dynamics. Sealy has been focused on investing in industrial real estate for over 60 years and has refined our investment strategies with the knowledge we have gained to know when and where to buy based on the current economic cycles. Our success is driven by our ability to anticipate market trends, enabling us to make strategic investments and operational decisions that consistently deliver value and growth.
Kansas City’s Growing Industrial Market
Kansas City has recently emerged as a major employment center for distribution and manufacturing jobs. According to the Emerging Industrial Markets Report by CBRE, the metro area is home to over 2.4 million people, with an additional 14.9 million living within a 250-mile radius. Over the next five years, the population is projected to grow to 2,489,280 within 50 miles, 3,210,188 within 100 miles, and 15,074,192 within 250 miles, making it an ideal location for factories and labor-intensive businesses. By 2033, the warehouse labor force in Kansas City is expected to increase by 6.3% from the current 42,801 workers. The average hourly wage for non-supervisory warehouse workers ranges from $16.54 to $19.43, compared to the national average of $17.31. In September 2023, the unemployment rate in Kansas City was 2.7%, up from 2.3% in 2022, while Missouri’s rate rose from 2.6% to 2.9%. These factors make Kansas City an increasingly attractive hub for industrial growth and employment opportunities.
Economic Incentives in Kansas City
Companies relocating to the Kansas City market benefit from numerous economic incentives. Over the past five years, 250 incentives worth over $485 million have been provided, averaging $15,500 per new job created, according to fDi Intelligence. Programs such as the Missouri Works Program offer payroll rebates and tax credits to businesses creating new jobs. The BUILD program provides refundable tax credits for significant economic development projects, requiring a minimum of 100 new jobs and a $15 million investment in renovations. The High-Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) offers a 10% tax credit for capital investments over $1 million, provided companies pay above-average wages and invest in employee training.
“Kansas City has been a great market for Sealy & Company. The characteristics of the market and the assets we have been able to acquire align with our proven investment strategy. Historically, as one of the most active buyers of industrial real estate in the U.S., we hope to continue to uncover assets and opportunities to expand our footprint.” — William Shagets, Regional Director, Sealy & Company.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Kansas City is one of the nation’s fastest-growing hubs for industrial and logistics activities. Its centralized location allows businesses to reach nearly 90% of the U.S. within a two-day drive. The Port of K.C., one of 15 ports in the area, has an annual capacity of 800,000 tons, offering rail and truck transfer, covered storage, and product distribution. In 2023, Kansas allocated $37 million to enhance two Missouri River ports in Kansas City. The metro area boasts a highly efficient transportation system, with 30% more interstate per capita than any other U.S. city, featuring four major highways (I-29, I-35, I-49, and I-70) intersecting in Kansas City, with I-35 connecting Canada and Mexico. Air freight services at Kansas City International Airport are among the best for cargo and distribution development, handling over 175 million pounds of cargo before a $1.5 billion construction project was completed in 2022. Additionally, Kansas City is served by four Class I rail lines (Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific), with the recent merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern creating the first single-line railway connecting Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Sealy & Company Strategic Approach
Sealy & Company’s strong history of institutional-quality ownership in this thriving market further demonstrates the successful execution of our strategic approach to industrial real estate acquisitions and management.
For more news and information regarding Sealy & Company, please visit the company’s website at www.Sealynet.com.
About Sealy & Company
Sealy & Company, a fully-integrated commercial real estate investment, and operating company, is a recognized leader in acquiring, developing, and redeveloping regional distribution warehouse, industrial/flex, and other commercial properties. Sealy provides a full-service platform for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors through our development, management, and brokerage divisions.Sealy & Company has an exceptional team of over 100 employees, located in five offices, with corporate offices in Dallas, TX and Shreveport, LA.