Melaleuca to open 500,000-square-foot distribution center in Kansas City
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IDAHO FALLS — Melaleuca has announced plans to open a 508,000-square-foot distribution center and warehouse in Kansas City, Missouri.
The company is retrofitting a plant formerly owned by Harley Davidson and will invest at least $35.5 million to transform the facility, according to a Melaleuca news release. The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs within its first year of operation and is scheduled to open in early 2022.
“Melaleuca is growing like crazy. Having a healthy immune system is on everyone’s mind,” Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot said in a video announcement. “In just the last eight months, Melaleuca has added over 130,000 additional preferred members in North America alone. With this new distribution center, we’ll be able to get packages to nearly every customer within 48 hours of placing their order.”
Melaleuca currently operates distribution centers in Knoxville, Tennessee and Idaho Falls. VanderSloot said the new Missouri facility is “absolutely beautiful” and nearly three times the size of the 150,000 square foot Idaho Falls distribution center.
“We are proud to welcome Melaleuca to Missouri,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Parson in a news release. “The company’s creation of over 200 jobs is great for our state, and its dedication to health and wellness in a time when our citizens need it most is to be commended. We look forward to seeing Melaleuca grow and succeed moving forward.”
Melaleuca plans to hire plant administration and other leaders as the facility begins renovation early next year. The company is not going into debt for the expansion, according to VanderSloot.
“Melaleuca is so healthy financially that we had the cash available to make this purchase. We also have the cash to put in all the necessary equipment,” he said. “We manage our finances very carefully so we’re prepared for moments just like this.”
Since it was founded in September 1985, Melaleuca has grown into one of America’s largest online retailers, offering over 450 wellness products in the categories of nutrition, personal care, home cleaning and cosmetics. The company generates $2 billion in annual revenue, has over 5,200 employees around the world and was recently ranked by Forbes magazine as one of America’s best employers.
“Melaleuca’s expansion into Kansas City, Missouri is significant for our community, and the new jobs created will help more Kansas Citians prosper through these challenging economic times,” said T’Risa McCord, interim President CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “I’d like to thank the company’s leadership for not only their investment in our great City, but also their commitment to a purpose focused on health and wellness.”
In addition to filling positions in Missouri, Melaleuca is also hiring in eastern Idaho. Information on current job openings can be found here.