Black & Veatch, GM outline Kansas investments and workforce needs at Commerce hearing

At a joint House Commerce session, industry representatives briefed committee members on private investment, workforce partnerships and company history in Kansas.

Clint Robinson, director of state and local government affairs at engineering and consulting firm Black & Veatch, described the company's 110‑year history, its Overland Park headquarters and work on energy, water, communications and infrastructure projects in Kansas and worldwide. "We appreciate the opportunity to share this story with you today," Robinson said, noting Black & Veatch's collaborations with the University of Kansas and Kansas State University on workforce development and its role in regional projects such as advanced traffic management.

John Federico, executive director of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame who also spoke as a consultant for General Motors, and GM representatives updated members on GM's long presence in Kansas manufacturing, recent retooling investments and plans to position the state to win future plant investment. Federico said past investments include a 2013 paint shop and multiple retoolings, and that GM has recently announced further national manufacturing pledges; he did not provide current headcount figures for the Fairfax plant but offered to follow up with specifics.

Committee members asked about workforce pipeline development and power requirements for advanced manufacturing and data centers. Robinson said Black & Veatch has engaged with K‑12 and higher education to build engineering pathways and thanked legislative support for workforce programs. Federico and GM representatives emphasized continued engagement with state policymakers to support future investment. No formal committee action was taken on the presentations.

Ending: Presenters offered to provide follow‑up data on plant employment and other specifics at the committee's request.