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Industrial Battery Manufacturer to Open U.S. Headquarters and Assembly Operation in the KC Region

by Laura Phillips | Jan 17, 2024

LIBERTY, Mo. – January 17, 2024 – The Kansas City Area Development Council announced today that TAB, an international manufacturer of industrial, SLI and lithium-ion batteries, selected Liberty, Missouri, for a 66,700-square-foot facility, investing $15 million and creating 50 jobs over the next five years.

As the first North American facility for the company, TAB USA will locate in Building C at Liberty Heartland Logistics Center, an industrial park owned and developed in partnership between The Opus Group and Washington Capital Management, Inc., on behalf of its institutional clients, and represented by Newmark Zimmer.

"The selection of Missouri as the home of TAB USA’s first North American facility reaffirms our state's strategic advantages for growing companies,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “We have created a pro-business environment that provides stability for businesses as they enter the U.S. market or expand within it. Missouri stands ready to support the growth and success of TAB USA as it embarks on this exciting journey from its new U.S. headquarters."

In addition to serving as TAB USA’s headquarters, facility operations will also include industrial battery assembly, distribution and sales. The company noted the Kansas City region’s central location and strong workforce as major factors in their selection. The new location will provide TAB USA with proximity to its current North American customer base and the opportunity to distribute products quickly throughout North and South America.

“The new facility in Liberty will allow TAB increased capabilities for distribution throughout North America and access to a skilled local workforce,” said Troy Livingston, CEO of TAB USA. “Whether in our vehicles or homes, batteries and electrical storage are an integral part of daily life, and TAB USA has the products our customers need to successfully power their lives and businesses.”

“With a 60-year history of battery production, this establishment of our U.S. headquarters confirms our legacy as a leading global energy supplier,” said Mag. Bogomir Auprih, Chairman of the Board of TAB. “The Kansas City region is an ideal hub, offering the positive business environment we need to achieve our goals.”

The new facility is projected to open in Q2 of 2024, with TAB USA planning to make additional investments over the first five years of operation to accommodate growth and the need for increased capacity.

Offering a business-friendly environment, strong workforce and robust logistics infrastructure, Liberty continues to attract significant industrial projects, resulting in approximately $1.2 billion in investments and nearly 7,400 jobs in the last two years.

"We are pleased to welcome TAB USA to Liberty as the company's first facility in North America and as its U.S. headquarters," said Liberty, Missouri Mayor Greg Canuteson. "This major investment highlights Liberty's prime location for manufacturing and distribution throughout the United States and our City Council's dedication to fostering a welcoming business environment."

The Kansas City region is a leading North American industrial hub, with 70 million square feet of industrial development delivered in the last ten years and an unmatched central location that gives companies the advantage of providing two-day shipping to 90% of the contiguous U.S.

"TAB USA's selection of Liberty, Missouri, for its first North American facility underscores the strategic advantages of the Kansas City region as a leading industrial hub and major attractor of foreign direct investment,” said Elli Bowen, vice president of KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “Our region continues to attract companies looking to expand or invest in new operations in North America, thanks to prime access to transportation networks, an established talent pipeline and available Class A industrial product, and we’re excited to see TAB USA join that growing list.”

About TAB
TAB creates durable, powerful and innovative batteries for the industrial and automotive sectors, producing a wide range of flooded lead-acid, VRLA AGM, VRLA Gel, SLI and lithium-ion batteries in locations across the world. Its high-quality batteries are distributed throughout Europe, Asia and North America. www.tab.si

About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
Serving the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area, the Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 64,000 new jobs over its 45-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC, KC Global Design and KC Heartland. thinkKC.com

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