MISSOURI CHAMBER NOVEMBER 2016 | Page 16

Business News

MISSOURI CHAMBER , THE BOEING COMPANY , SOLID GOLD PET
Kansas City ’ s Shick Solutions joins Bretèche Group
Shick Solutions , a Kansas City-based ingredient automation company , has joined Bretèche Industrie Group , a global company with a focus on the baking , dairy , pharmaceutical and cosmetics markets .
When approached by Bretèche , Shick Solutions ’ operating shareholders saw the potential for mutual benefits in terms of technology , expertise , geography and culture .
“ In Bretèche Group , we saw a way to secure the future for our employees and the legacy of our company far beyond the family ownership of the company ,” said Joe Ungashick , CEO of Shick .
For Bretèche , the acquisition brings a base of operations in North America for sales , technical support and aftermarket service .
“ As a global company , we have long wanted to increase our presence in North America ,” said Didier Soumet , CEO of Bretèche Group . “ By acquiring Shick , not only will we have a strong base of operations in the United States to support our brands but we will also have a partner that is closely tied to and aligned with the food industry there .”
In 2014 , Shick was named one of the fastest-growing Missouri companies , receiving the Fast Track Award from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry . As a member of Bretèche Group , Shick will be well-positioned to continue its vision as the leading supplier of ingredienthandling systems to the industries it serves .
“ I am excited about this opportunity , as it enhances our pursuit of worldclass practices in process solutions ,” said Tim Cook , Shick Solutions president .
“ Additionally , it will give us a platform from which we can continue to expand globally . Truly , this integration secures our future in the industry and allows us to better support the customers we serve .”
Boeing celebrates 100 years
On July 15 , Boeing marked its 100th year in operation . The state of Missouri released a proclamation commending Boeing for its roles as the world ’ s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense , space and security systems .
More than 15,000 Boeing employees work in Missouri . They support Boeing products and services including the F / A-18 Super Hornet , EA-18G Growler , F-15 Eagle , Joint Direct Attack Munition , Harpoon and Small Diameter Bomb . The Boeing Co . works with more than 500 businesses in Missouri and supports an estimated 27,000 direct and indirect jobs . Boeing employees contributed $ 13.5 million in charitable donations in Missouri during 2015 .
Solid Gold Pet moves corporate headquarters to Chesterfield
America ’ s first holistic pet food brand , Solid Gold Pet , is bringing ts new corporate headquarters to Chesterfield and increasing its operations team .
“ After celebrating more than 40 years as the leading premium , holistic pet food company , we are thrilled to start the next chapter of Solid Gold Pet in St . Louis ,” said Bob Rubin , CEO and President of Solid Gold Pet . “ Our supply chain and manufacturing facilities are also located in the Midwest . Housing our corporate offices in St . Louis will allow Solid Gold Pet to centralize our support for our customers and vendors , which means increased efficiency and productivity .”
Solid Gold Pet will be hiring more than 20 employees over the next several months to support operations at its new dog-friendly headquarters in the nation ’ s pet food industry capital . The company is moving into St . Louis in coordinated waves to avoid any disruptions to retail and vendor partners , according to Rubin .
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