Photos by Ella Manthey
The St. Louis region is adding another name to its growing roster of manufacturers investing here for the long term.
King Technology, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of water-care products for pools, hot tubs, and swim spas, is opening a manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, investing at least $17 million into the facility. The St. Louis region was chosen specifically for this investment, which marks the company’s first expansion beyond its home state.
A ribbon cutting and celebration of the new facility was held on Sept. 29, with participation by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, St. Peters Mayor Len Pagono, Greater St. Louis, Inc. Managing Partner Ron Kitchens, and a broad coalition of state and local partners. Gov. Kehoe said the investment highlights the state’s ability to attract and support growing businesses.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” Kehoe said. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
For the St. Louis region, the project represents more than another new industrial facility: It is a new corporate investment attracted from outside the market, and one that economic development officials say demonstrates the region’s ability to compete for companies looking to expand.
“King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks at the King Technology ribbon cutting on Sept. 29.
King Technology’s investment also adds to St. Charles County’s manufacturing and logistics footprint, leveraging the region’s infrastructure and location to support a company with a national customer base.
The company worked with a broad coalition of state and local partners to select and invest in St. Peters, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis Inc., the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
For King Technology, the expansion is part of a broader growth strategy. The nearly 50-year-old, third-generation, family-owned company will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, while positioning the St. Peters operation to expand its nationwide distribution capabilities.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. Noer cited the region’s commitment to growing businesses and its “strong sense of faith, family, and community” as values that align with the company’s own mission to “Enrich Lives Daily.”
Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis Inc., speaks at the ribbon cutting event.
Founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King, King Technology has grown into a leading innovator in recreational water care. It is perhaps best known for its FROG line of pre-filled water-care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep pools and spas clear while requiring significantly less chlorine usage. The company also launched its New Water brand this year for mass retail customers across the U.S.
The project comes as St. Charles County continues positioning itself as a place where manufacturers can establish and expand operations. “King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County.
Missouri Partnership CEO Subash Alias similarly pointed to the state’s location, infrastructure, and business climate as factors supporting the investment, adding that the project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint and creates new jobs and employment opportunities.
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” Alias said. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
King Technology on Tues., Sept. 29 held a ribbon-cutting for the new facility attended by St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, and economic development and community members and partners.
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” Mayor Pagano said. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future.”
