Cargill’s protein business headquarters will remain in Wichita, Kan., but relocate from 151 North Main Street to a new office building to be built at a yet-to-be-determined site within the city limits.
Cargill made the decision after a thorough analysis of numerous options, including several cities in states other than Kansas. The company’s move to a new office building is expected to take place by the end of 2018.
“Looking at our current office space situation in Wichita, we determined a change is required to meet our future needs as a customer-focused, talent-seeking, growth-oriented protein business, operating in a highly competitive business sector,” says Brian Sikes, corporate vice president for the company’s protein group. “So, we embarked on a mission to identify the optimal location where the people responsible for success of our business will have the best opportunity to thrive. After an exhaustive review of our options, a collaborative atmosphere evolved whereby Cargill, the City of Wichita and State of Kansas worked together toward creating the type of business environment that will enable the company to meet its customers’ long-term needs by enhancing our ability to attract, retain and develop top talent.”
Other criteria included quality of life for employees; minimizing disruption to the business resulting from a relocation; optimizing the use of company resources; perpetuating a culture based on marketplace agility to address the needs of customers and consumers; and creating a world-class business setting for all involved stakeholders.
“We have a terrific team of productive, knowledgeable and creative people in Wichita, who give a great deal back to the community,” adds Sikes. “We are pleased Cargill employees will remain an important part of the Wichita community, and will continue to contribute to the vitality of many organizations throughout the region. We also believe it is beneficial for our protein business to be headquartered in the center of the U.S.”