Advanced manufacturing is booming in Kansas City — and K-State is training its workforce

K-State’s strategic engagement is addressing Kansas’ need for highly-trained, skilled manufacturing workers.

Advanced manufacturing in the Greater Kansas City area is experiencing remarkable growth and U.S. manufacturing and related industries currently account for 24% of the gross domestic product, with the area’s manufacturing sector expanding at a rate of seven percent and valued at $45 billion as of 2024.

The region’s industrial landscape is particularly dynamic. Panasonic’s $4 billion EV-battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, will create 4,000 new jobs, while other Johnson County manufacturers are projected to add an additional 1,500 positions in 2025.

To meet these expanding workforce needs, Kansas State University Olathe made a strategic investment to develop the Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center.

Located on the K-State Olathe campus, the center currently houses a Materials Property Test Lab and will complete its full-scale process lab by summer.

Jonathan McPherson, director of K-State Olathe's Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center, leads a short course in pneumatic conveying. | Download this photo.

A hub for manufacturing training and innovation

Jonathan McPherson, a seasoned professional with a strong engineering and manufacturing background, is director of the center.

It serves as a critical resource for local and national companies seeking workforce training and process improvement consulting, he said.

“Our programming is designed to elevate practical skills and knowledge,” McPherson said. “Each course combines classroom lectures with hands-on training, providing professionals with comprehensive learning experiences.”

Comprehensive course offerings

The center offers a diverse range of short courses tailored to manufacturing professionals, including:

• Basics of Pneumatic Conveying
• Advanced Pneumatic Conveying
• Dust Collection Fundamentals and System Design
• Programmable Logic Controller and Automation

These courses cater to various roles, from engineers and technicians to maintenance and operations personnel.

In 2024, the program attracted more than 120 unique learners from 68 companies across 16 states, as well as Canada and Mexico.

Beyond technical training: Networking and professional development

The program’s unique approach extends beyond skill development.

"Our professional development courses create a collaborative learning environment,” said Lauren Racki, professional development manager. "Attendees can network with industry professionals, which is crucial for personal and career growth."

Course content is carefully crafted through extensive feedback from industry experts, ensuring that the training remains relevant and practical.

Pneumatic conveying emerged as the most popular topic, hosting 91 individual learners in 2024.

"As a pneumatic convey company, the K-State Olathe courses provide a different perspective," said Mike Abare, technical sales manager at Magnum Systems Inc. "We want to empower our employees to know the industry so they can be better informed/educated while employed with Magnum Systems.

"This lends itself to improved questions and discovery efforts, plus a highly educated workforce has significant impact to the industry and communities they serve."

More advanced manufacturing courses are in the works

In 2025, the center will continue to expand its offerings, including Advanced Pneumatic Conveying and Programmable Logic Controller and Automation courses.

By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, K-State Olathe is playing a pivotal role in supporting the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.

For a complete course lineup and more information, visit the Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center’s website.

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