OATS, Inc. is pleased to announce the purchase of land in Macon, Missouri, to be the site of the new Northeast Regional facility. The approximately 4.5 acres is located in Heartland Enterprise Park, near the intersection of Highways 63 and 36, making it an excellent location with easy access to both major highways serving the northeast region.

Denise Bennett, Director of Macon County Economic Development says “We are thrilled to have OATS here. We think it will be a wonderful partnership between the city of Macon, Macon County and OATS, Inc.” Bennett describes the OATS program as “well-utilized” within the community, and feels that having a regional corporate office located in Macon is a positive thing. In addition to the aesthetic enhancement the new building will add to the industrial park, Bennett looks forward to the additional commerce opportunities the facility will offer. “With OATS training and conference events being held at the facility, there will be more opportunities for visitors to the area who will eat in our restaurants and make purchases locally while they are here.”

The current OATS Northeast Regional facility is located in Shelbina, Missouri. Sherre Webb, OATS NE Regional Director, says that although Shelbina has served OATS well over the past 30 plus years, operations have simply outgrown the facility there. The new location, which will provide a larger area for building, will be more efficient. “With more area, we will be able to have a garage for minor repairs, as well as our own conference facilities for meetings and training. This means a cost savings in previous facility rental fees, and that cost savings translates into more services we can provide.” Webb assures that the people of Shelbina will receive the same level and consistency of services upon which they have always relied.

The anticipated ground-breaking is 6-9 months away, with a finished facility possible sometime next year. Employees that are currently in Shelbina will have the opportunity to transfer to the new facility in Macon.

Funding for the project was made possible due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), through resources distributed through Mo-DOT. Feasibility studies were conducted across the region to determine the best location, and Macon was the highest scoring area for current needs and potential future growth.

Bennett says Macon is ready for the expected expansion that typically accompanies a regional office moving to the area. “We are absolutely thrilled for the opportunity. We will be a good partner for OATS and are looking for any ways to work with them to ensure their long-term success.”