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Spiral chutes are among the coolest things made in Kansas. These slipper slides eliminat ebreakage inside food plants so you can get a potato chip the size of a frisbee instead of a bagful of crumbs.
The Kansas Manufacturing Council hosted the Coolest Thing Made In Kansas, a friendly competition highlighting the state’s manufacturing industry, which employs one out of 11 Kansas workers. Fans nominated the flagship product manufactured by Stevenson Company, Inc. The spiral chute qualified through an inital round of public voting, and then was sent for final judging by industry experts, academic leaders, and end users.
Trophies were awarded to the four finalists in the Coolest Innovation category. These were: Ronawk in Olathe, Apex Stages in Pittsburg, Lee Aerospace in Wichita, and Stevenson Company in Topeka.
Have you heard about the price of stainless? A year ago, I advised a customer, “Stainless is the new lumber.” At the time, the market for wood was sky high and headed north. People couldn’t build fast enough, couldn’t find material, couldn’t ship material, couldn’t harvest enough trees to keep us supplied with toilet paper, let alone pallets.
Since then, you have noticed the price of gas has gone up. And you may have heard that used trucks are demanding a premium. And new trucks. And eggs. Milk. Homes. Taxes. Everything but wages.
Stainless steel will not be outdone. March saw a 90% spike in nickel price, with an April increase of an additional 25% on its heels. Nickel is the added element that makes steel stainless. So if you watch nickel prices, you’re watching the stainless price.
The Making Kansas Bus Tour made a stop in Topeka to hear about the state of the manufacturing industry. Curtis Sneden and Joe Pennington wowed the group of industry leaders and advocates from across the state. The monthlong event, sponsored by the Kansas Manufacturing Council, highlights the state’s manufacturing industry and career opportunities.
Mr. Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, said “Although the capital city is correctly regarded as a government hub, the manufacturing sector is poised to take over as an economic engine.” He shared information showing 12,000 people in Shawnee County work in public administration, while 11,500 have jobs in manufacturing and distribution.
Pretzels, Inc. ha
s announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art production facility in Lawrence, Kansas. The new 150,000-square-foot facility will create a significant number of new jobs and increase the company's capacity across a range of products. It is expected to be operational in late 2021.
Chris Gutierrez of the Kansas City Area Development Council touts the region to potential employers. “We are marketing KC as the snack capitol of the world,” he said. “The area offers a multitude of advantages for manufacturers: Proximity of raw materials, distribution efficiency, and a heartland work ethic.”
Pretzels, Inc. joins powerhouses PepsiCo and Dot’s Pretzels in the KC area.
The Kansas Manufacturing Council has added a new face and some stimulating events in its mission to create a stronger and more prosperous manufacturing sector.
Joe Pennington, president of Stevenson Company in Topeka, recently joined the Board of Advisors. “The Kansas Manufacturing Council is providing support, knowledge, and resources for the manufacturing industry. The voices of innovation and jobs creation should be heard and disseminated. I’m excited to listen, learn, and advocate where I can,” said Pennington.
Pennington is looking forward to visiting Kansas manufacturers during a “Making Kansas” bus tour. “Even after thirty years in the industry, I still feel like a kid at a Wonka factory when I visit these facilities,” he said. “People would be amazed and surprised at the commitment to technology, innovation, and environment going on here.” The bus tour will kick off in September, stopping in shops statewide to spotlight the impact enterprises are making to communities and the economy.