Master’s Transportation Recognized for Kansas City Expansion and Job Growth

Master’s Transportation has been recognized by the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce for a major investment that is reshaping both its operations and the regional transportation workforce.

The company received the chamber’s Economic Development Impact Award in recognition of its $72 million investment in a new global headquarters and the creation of hundreds of jobs in South Kansas City. The honor was presented at the chamber’s annual Community Impact Awards, which spotlight organizations that make measurable contributions to the local economy.

A consolidated campus built for growth

The new headquarters, which opened in summer 2025, brings together five former Master’s Transportation locations into a single, purpose-built campus spanning 330,000 square feet. The site includes a 252,000-square-foot production facility, 36,000 square feet of office space, and a 42,000-square-foot refurbishment and body shop.

Company leaders said the consolidation improves efficiency across manufacturing, refurbishment, parts distribution, and corporate operations while allowing room for future expansion. The facility was designed to support more than 30% annual growth and is expected to employ up to 350 people at full capacity within two years.

Commitment to the Kansas City region

Master’s Transportation leadership emphasized that the project reflects a long-term commitment to the Kansas City area, where the company has operated for more than two decades.

“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 residents for years to come.”

The South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce said the project stands out for both its scale and its workforce impact, citing the number of jobs created and the company’s reinvestment in the region.

Operational benefits for customers and drivers

Company officials said the new headquarters allows Master’s Transportation to increase production capacity and improve customer service across its divisions. By housing manufacturing, refurbishment, parts distribution, and corporate teams in one location, the company can streamline operations and respond more quickly to customer needs.

For bus and motorcoach operators, that consolidation supports faster turnaround times, improved vehicle availability, and expanded service capabilities across the company’s national footprint.

Focus on careers and community impact.

Rita Luukkonen, general counsel for Master’s Transportation, said the award reflects more than physical expansion.

“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.

The company manufactures commercial shuttle buses, school buses, and specialty vehicles, and also provides rental, leasing, and sales services nationwide. Master’s Transportation operates 12 locations across the United States, with Kansas City serving as its central hub.

A milestone year for the company

According to the chamber, the headquarters project represents a major milestone in Master’s Transportation’s 30-year history. In addition to receiving the Economic Development Impact Award, the company has also been nominated for the chamber’s Big Impact Award for 2026.

Source: Bus and Motorcoach News