Why You Should Bring Your Automotive Business to Missouri

As a cost-competitive and pro-business state, Missouri is indeed a prime location for advanced manufacturing businesses in the automotive industry.

Missouri is already a global production center for General Motors’ full-size vans and mid-size trucks…and Ford’s Transit Van and best-selling F-150 truck. In 2020 alone, nearly 600,000 vehicles rolled off these Missouri-based assembly lines, which are strategically located on the North American Automotive Alley, stretching from Toronto to Mexico City. In addition, our electricity rates are 19% below national retail average, and our grid reliability is a high performer.

Missouri attracts thriving industries because it offers the ingredients needed for expanding commercial activity. The centrally located region is home to plentiful resources and large manufacturers, signaling strong economic health. Over 5,700 manufacturers are located in Missouri.

Incentives

Incentives are a big reason why, since 2018, at least 11 new automotive-related manufacturing projects—all powered by Ameren Missouri—have found their homes in the “Show-Me” State. These projects have totaled over $1.7 billion in investments and brought 635 jobs to the state, from companies like Faurecia, Spartan Light Metal, GM, TG Missouri and Bodine Aluminum.

In all, nearly 70 auto industry suppliers make their home here…along with a host of other engineering, technology, and automotive-related ventures that wish to take advantage of Missouri’s strong talent pipeline and innovative support programs.

Perhaps you should consider moving your automotive business here, too.

• ¹Ameren Missouri Economic Development Incentive Rider: Ameren Missouri currently offers one of the best economic development incentive rates in the country. Qualifying businesses can receive a significant portion off base electric rates.
• State of Missouri Tax Incentives: The Missouri Partnership is a one-stop shop for tax incentives related to jobs and investment. 
• State of Missouri Workforce Development: The Missouri Department of Education and Workforce Development offers a variety of options for training assistance.

Building the Talent Pipeline for Success

Over 330,000 students are enrolled in Missouri-based two- and four-year higher education programs, which helps produce over 4,600 engineers annually.

• St. Louis Community College: SLCC hosts the Emerson Center for Engineering Manufacturing, a 31,000-square-foot facility that features state-of-the-art tooling and equipment. The center includes 14,000 square feet of lab space and classrooms dedicated to manufacturing, materials, quality assurance, civil engineering, electrical/electronic, CAD and skilled trades.
• Missouri Southern State University’s Missouri Center for Advanced Power Systems Research (MOCAP): This center focuses on research and development of new battery and advanced power technologies, as well as preparing high-tech workers for employment. Students can earn certificates and academic minors by taking MOCAP power studies classes. Its 4,000-square-foot research facility provides all the tools and equipment needed to develop and test emerging battery chemistry.
• The Automotive Technology Program at the University of Central Missouri: This program is one of the best of its kind in the country, and it's leading the way in helping the nation meet demand for well-prepared corporate and technical talent in the automotive industry.
• University of Missouri – Columbia: Mizzou is home to the Alliance for Collaborative Research in Alternative Fuels and the Industrial Assessment Center. The alliance is a partnership led by the university, in collaboration with MRIGlobal and others in the state. The group is focused on low-pressure, high-capacity storage technologies for natural gas and hydrogen used in transportation.
• Missouri State University in Springfield: The home of the Center for Applied Science and Engineering is located here.
• Missouri S&T in Rolla: Research and resources are available through the Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems, the Intelligent Systems Center, the Material Research Center and the Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies.
• Institute of Materials Science & Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis: This program utilizes the full potential of interdisciplinary material science research of more than 69 engineers, physicists, chemists and earth and planetary scientists.

Whether you're a new or established business looking to expand or relocate, or searching for ways to save money to reinvest in your business, Missouri may be the right place for you.

¹Incentives are subject to change. Visit the Ameren Missouri website for up-to-date information on available incentives.

Learn more about Economic Development solutions in Missouri.