Kawasaki Motors Opening Boonville Plant; Will Hire 250 People

Kawasaki Motors announced that they will open a plant in Boonville to produce small engines for lawn, garden, and industrial applications next summer.

Kawasaki Motors made the announcement during a grand opening ceremony held at the Boonville facility. The new plant in Boonville will employ approximately 250 employees when it goes online. According to the Columbia Daily Tribune, the new Kawasaki plant will be in the former Nordyne facility at 2501 Boonslick Drive and is currently being retrofitted. It is expected to start production next summer.

“This expansion of production capabilities for our engines is a significant step forward in our continuing ability to provide superior quality engines in the quantities needed to meet expanding market demand,” said Nelson Wilner, vice president at Kawasaki Engines Division through a press release.

Kawasaki currently employs 1,200 employees at their plant in Maryville, which makes 18 different engine models.

The Columbia Daily Tribune quotes Boonville Mayor Ned Beach as saying, “Kawasaki has a long tradition of supporting and anchoring rural communities, evidenced by their 32 years at Maryville. Boonville is thrilled to have this type of company come to our community.”

ABC 17 is reporting, "The average wage at the plant will be above the Cooper County average, according to the economic development department. The county average in 2020 was $36,639."

Kawasaki is already hiring for the new plant and interested people can apply for a position here.