Front Line Safety to establish new distribution center in Kansas City, investing $1.7 million and creating 21 new jobs

Front Line Safety, a company that offers more than 3,000 safety products and services tailored to a range of multi-unit businesses, announced plans to establish a new safety and first aid solutions distribution center in Kansas City, Missouri. The company will invest $1.7 million and create 21 new jobs. The project is expected to generate $6.1 million in new annual payroll.

"Front Line Safety's decision to establish a new distribution center in Kansas City is another strong signal that Missouri continues to be a destination for companies focused on growth, innovation and service," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "This investment strengthens critical supply chains for safety and first aid solutions while creating new opportunities for Missourians and supporting the continued momentum of the Kansas City region. We are proud to welcome Front Line Safety to Missouri and look forward to their long-term success in our state."

The 113,000-square-foot facility, secured with local real estate firm CBRE, will support Front Line Safety's continued growth and expand the company's ability to efficiently serve customers throughout the Midwest and across North America.

"We are excited to expand our operations with a new warehouse and distribution center in Kansas City, Missouri," said Joe Bratter, Chairman & CEO of Front Line Safety. "After an extensive nationwide search, Kansas City emerged as the clear choice for our next phase of growth. The region's unmatched multimodal infrastructure, strong and reliable workforce, and central geographic location create an ideal environment for a modern distribution operation that can efficiently serve our customers."

Front Line Safety joins a well-established and highly connected distribution and logistics ecosystem in the region, where robust multimodal infrastructure enables distributors to reach 90% of the contiguous U.S. within two days or less. Combined with its central U.S. location and strong pipeline of skilled workers, the Kansas City region provides manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain companies with unmatched connectivity and operational efficiency.

"Front Line Safety's decision to establish a new distribution center in Kansas City is another example of Missouri's strength as a strategic location for companies looking to grow and serve customers across the country," said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. "This investment will create new opportunities for Missourians, strengthen regional supply chains, and support the continued growth of Kansas City's logistics and distribution sector. We are proud to support Front Line Safety's expansion and look forward to the company's long-term success in Missouri."

The facility is expected to officially open in July 2026.

Front Line Safety will benefit from the Missouri Works Program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Front Line Safety is estimated to receive $230,317 through the Missouri Works Program subject to verification of program requirements.

What others are saying

"Kansas City continues to attract companies that recognize the value of our workforce, infrastructure and strategic location," said Mario Vasquez, City Manager of Kansas City, Missouri. "Front Line Safety's investment demonstrates the confidence businesses have in our community and our ability to support long-term growth."

"As a top 15 U.S. industrial market, Kansas City continues to stand out as one of North America's most strategic logistics hubs, offering companies unmatched access to customers, suppliers and major transportation networks," said Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort. "Front Line Safety's investment reinforces the region's strength as a premier location for distribution and supply chain operations, and we're excited to support the company's continued growth in the Kansas City market."

"Front Line Safety's expansion into Missouri highlights the state's strength as a logistics hub," said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. "With our central location, skilled workforce and strong transportation network, Missouri continues to attract companies that keep critical industries moving safely and efficiently."

About Front Line Safety

For more than 30 years, Front Line Safety has provided workplace safety, first aid and compliance solutions for businesses across North America. The company specializes in customized safety programs, first aid and PPE solutions, centralized ordering systems and compliance support designed to help organizations create safer and more efficient workplaces. Front Line Safety offers more than 3,000 safety products and services tailored to a range of multi-unit businesses, including grocery stores, restaurant chains, hospitality operators, and manufacturing companies located across the United States.

To learn more about Front Line Safety, visit flsafety.com

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri's businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED's current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED's website.

About the Missouri Works Program

As the state's number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.