KC Metro Job Numbers Surge as Panasonic Plant Kicks Off Hiring

De Soto, Kansas — Excitement is building in the Kansas City metro area as the Panasonic EV battery plant gears up to begin its hiring process, marking a pivotal moment for local employment opportunities. With the plant’s ambitious plan to employ approximately 4,000 workers, the ripple effect is expected to be significant, potentially creating an additional 4,000 jobs in ancillary businesses within the Astra Enterprise Park.

Pioneering New Opportunities

As the initial round of hires is set to begin by the end of this year, the atmosphere in Downtown De Soto is buzzing with positivity. Local business owners are already noticing a change. Wade Khatchadourian, owner of Bailey’s Buy, Sell & Trade, shared his observations: “80 percent [of customers] are excited,” adding that the area is undergoing a noticeable transformation with new infrastructure in place, such as roundabouts and stoplights.

Positive Employment Trends

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has supported this upbeat sentiment with research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. MARC’s Director of Research Services, Frank Lenk, provided insight into the region’s recent employment recovery: “We’ve added about 20,000 jobs in six months,” which is significantly higher than the typical yearly increase.

From Declines to Growth

The local job market was dismal at the end of last year, with employment numbers shrinking while other metropolitan areas were witnessing growth. Lenk noted, “It was very worrisome, but since the beginning of 2024, it’s rebounded tremendously.” The positive trajectory has been aided by significant projects like the Panasonic plant, which is one of several slated initiatives that promise long-term economic benefits.

The Bigger Picture

Looking ahead, Lenk emphasizes that the potential for jobs to multiply hinges on sustaining this growth momentum. Key projects in the pipeline, including the possibility of stadium construction and preparations for the 2026 World Cup, could drastically alter the economic landscape. “That’s when you get an acceleration which puts us into a different growth strata than we’ve been in the past,” Lenk explained.

Get Involved

For those interested in seeking employment at the Panasonic plant, job listings can be found on their official site, where a range of opportunities are expected to be posted as the hiring phase unfolds. With the anticipated changes and job growth, the KC metro area is looking toward an exciting future.