Master’s Transportation has received the Economic Development Impact Award from the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce for its $72 million investment in a new global headquarters and the creation of hundreds of jobs in the region.
The award was presented as part of the chamber’s annual Community Impact Awards, which recognize organizations that have made significant contributions to the South Kansas City community.
The company’s new headquarters, which opened in summer 2025, consolidates five former locations into a single 330,000-square-foot campus. The facility includes a 252,000-square-foot production plant, 36,000 square feet of office space, and a 42,000-square-foot refurbishment and body shop.
Master’s Transportation, a provider of commercial buses and vans, said the project is designed to support more than 30% annual growth and is expected to employ up to 350 people at full capacity within two years.
“The Kansas City metropolitan area has been our home for over 20 years, and we are honored to move to South Kansas City and receive this recognition,” CEO John Goodbrake said. “Our $72 million investment reflects not only our deep commitment to the community, but our goal to hire and support local residents for years to come.”
The new headquarters serves as the company’s global hub for manufacturing, parts distribution and corporate operations. The consolidation allows the company to increase production capacity and improve customer service across its divisions, company officials said.
Rita Luukkonen, general counsel for Master’s Transportation, said the award reflects the company’s focus on long-term community investment.
“We believe in moving people forward, and that philosophy extends to creating meaningful career opportunities that contribute to the economic vitality of Kansas City,” she said.
Master’s Transportation manufactures commercial shuttle buses, school buses and specialty vehicles and provides rental, leasing and sales services nationwide. The company operates 12 locations across the United States, with Kansas City as its central hub.
The headquarters project marks a major milestone in the company’s 30-year history, according to the chamber. Master’s Transportation has also been nominated for the chamber’s Big Impact Award for 2026, with public voting open through Jan. 31.
