Community tours new manufacturing facility set to create 50 jobs in Southeast Missouri

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — Community members toured a new manufacturing facility set to create 50 new jobs in Jackson.

Company leadership, local officials, and community members joined together at TrussWorks Jackson, LLC for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Wednesday afternoon.

Governor Mike Kehoe was set to attend the event, but had to cancel due to severe weather.

Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development Michelle Hataway spoke at the event.

“TrussWorks’ decision to locate this new facility in Jackson not only speaks to the value of the state’s economic advantages, but it also puts this community on the map as an ideal place for businesses,” she said.

People toured the facility where workers make structural building components like roof trusses, floor trusses and wall panels.

TrussWorks Mid-America President and CEO Steve Stroder said they’ve already hired a small crew that they expect to grow to fifty workers once business picks up, and possibly more.

“This facility has the capability of getting up to around 70 employees,” he said.

Beyond the creation of jobs, Jackson City Mayor Dwain Hahs said the additional revenue brought in by the business will support the community as well, by increasing the city’s revenue.

“It’ll support our police department and fire department, our parks, you know, our transportation system,” he said. “All those will receive revenue from this facility as well.”

Employee Damien Hanstein said he’s grateful for the job and proud of the products they make.

“One thing we do really good at is we check everything before we send it out,” he said, “because if something was to break, it would be on us. So we like to check all of our plates, all of our measurements, make sure it’s all top notch before we send it out, because we know we’re building people’s future as well as we’re building our own.”

Jessica Vandeven operates the saws.

“It’s a great place to work. I love the people. I love the jobs. I love the community,” she said. “They’re awesome.”

Hataway said Missouri’s economy is doing well compared to the national economy — landing in the top five for highest percent growth of jobs.

“A lot of that is because of investments like TrussWorks and what Steve is doing in Missouri,” she said, “the family first attitude, how he treats the employees — looking for the right people. At the State of Missouri those are companies we want to continue to invest in and help partner and continue to help grow.”

Stroder and Mayor Hahs expect growth to extend beyond Jackson, saying industry often brings in more industry.