Dakota Bodies Brings 172 Jobs to Liberty with $21.9M Plant

Liberty, Missouri just landed a major win that will bring 172 new jobs and a $21.9 million investment to the community.

Dakota Bodies, a utility and service truck manufacturer, announced plans to double its Liberty manufacturing facility. The expansion will upgrade laser cutting technology, metal forming capabilities, and powder coating systems.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development revealed the news on April 6. The improvements will speed up production times and improve delivery reliability for customers across the country.

"This new facility strengthens our ability to deliver on that commitment, giving our customers faster lead times, greater capacity, and a more reliable partner as they grow their own businesses," said Braden Edwards, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ATW Truck Equipment, Dakota Bodies' parent company.

The company will receive nearly $1.4 million through Missouri's Works Program to support the expansion. The state program helps companies grow through tax credits and withholdings, rewarding businesses that create jobs for local residents.

Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson shared that the city competed against Texas locations for the expansion. Liberty's aggressive tax incentive program has produced $2.5 billion in private sector investment and created more than 7,000 jobs in targeted industries.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion represents more than just new jobs. It signals confidence in Missouri's workforce and creates opportunities for families across the Kansas City metro area.

The 172 new positions will provide stable manufacturing careers in a growing industry. As the facility doubles in size, workers will use cutting-edge technology to build truck bodies for customers nationwide.

Governor Mike Kehoe praised the investment as proof of Missouri's business-friendly environment. "This project brings meaningful opportunities to hardworking Missourians and reinforces our state's reputation as a place where businesses can grow and succeed," he said.

Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hataway called the move a strong win for the community and a testament to the state's skilled workforce.

One company's decision to grow in Liberty just created opportunities for 172 families to thrive.