Italian ammunition manufacturer to invest $16M in KC metro, create 160+ jobs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A new Italian ammunition and defense container manufacturer is set to invest $16 million in the Kansas City metro and create more than 160 jobs.

RB SRL, an Italian parts manufacturer, announced on Thursday, Oct. 17, that it will open a new 100,000-square-foot facility in Kansas City. The project is expected to invest $16 million in the metro area and create 163 new jobs.

“We’re proud that another world-class manufacturer like RB Group has recognized Missouri as an ideal business location,” said Governor Mike Parson. “When we met earlier this year in Italy, RB Group made it clear that they are committed to growth and innovation. We look forward to this cutting-edge employer’s contributions to our vibrant manufacturing sector as it establishes a presence in Kansas City.”

Officials indicated that the new Kansas City facility is the company’s first North American location which strengthens the region’s position as a hub for innovation. Production testing is set to begin in November 2024 and should be fully operational by early 2025.

“State-of-the-art technology and multiple production lines will set the new benchmark for the production of ammunition boxes, with enough capacity to meet the current demand for military boxes in the U.S. market,” said Renato Ballabio, President of RB America Corp. “The U.S. plant, of which we are very proud, incorporates all the best technologies we have developed over the years, as well as the knowledge gained from more than 30 years of experience in ammunition box production through our Italian company.”

RB SRL noted that with state-of-the-art technology which specializes in the manufacture of ammunition boxes, the company is set to provide high-quality solutions to American consumers.

“It’s exciting to welcome RB America Corp. to Missouri as one of the newest members of our state’s incredibly strong, and ever-growing manufacturing industry,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “When successful companies like RB America Corp. choose to grow their business and invest in our state, they are putting our mission of helping Missourians prosper into motion.”

Company leaders said they were among those visited by Governor Mike Parson and his Missouri delegation during the Italian Trade Mission in May. RB SRL is set to benefit from the Missouri Works program to help with expansion and retainment with access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

“We are proud to welcome RB America Corp. to Missouri as they establish their first North American location in Kansas City,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “I had the pleasure of meeting their leadership team during a trade mission to Italy, and I’m excited to see their vision come to life here in Missouri. Our state is a strategic choice for foreign companies, and this investment is a testament to Missouri’s appeal as a top destination for international business.”

The company indicated it will also receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. The division helps eligible businesses with recruitment and training needs.

“We’ve seen lots of momentum in the advanced manufacturing sector in Kansas City and are pleased to welcome RB America Corp.,” said Steven Anthony, Vice President of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “As an international company, they had many choices on where to locate, so their decision to come here highlights the strategic economic advantages our city offers.”

RB SRL noted that it was incorporated in December 2018 as the result of a merger between separate Italian companies, each owned by the same entrepreneur. It serves customers in more than 50 countries and produces a range of components for hunting and shooting ammunition and containers for the military/defense market.

“As both a top 15 U.S. industrial market and top 15 U.S. city for foreign business, Kansas City is uniquely positioned to support the growth and success of advanced manufacturers in the competitive North American market,” said Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort, a strategic affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “RB America Corp.’s decision to establish their first U.S. facility in Kansas City is a testament to our region as a highly attractive location for companies looking to take their manufacturing operations to the next level.”

For more information about the company, click HERE.

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