Cargill representatives presented Mayor Jeff Longwell and other officials from Wichita, Kansas, with an architectural drawing of the company’s new North American protein headquarters, which will be built in the city’s Old Town District.
Cargill's protein operations include the production of Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms turkey.
Modern facility designed to 'inspire and engage'
During a recent meeting, Brian Sikes, head of the Cargill protein division, told the mayor the site selected and the facility is designed to “inspire and engage our 800 Cargill protein business colleagues who work here.” He added that the new headquarters will:
- Enhance business collaboration
- Celebrate Cargill’s rich 151-year heritage and culture
- Aid Cargill in properly expressing its brand
While the building will initially house 800 Cargill employees, the four-story, 188,000 square foot facility is designed to support up to 950 employees.
According to Sikes, Cargill staff members had input on the future building’s amenities through an inclusive process that resulted in a shared vision.
The building, Sikes added, will offer sustainable design features including high-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, recycled and reclaimed materials, locally-sourced materials, increased air and water quality, increased natural daylighting and a recycling program.
Existing building on site to be demolished; new facility to open in 2018
Cargill in May revealed that it was seeking to move from its current protein headquarters, also in downtown Wichita, in favor of a new facility that would better accommodate the future needs of the business. Cargill at the time offered assurance that the company wanted to keep its operations in Wichita.
In late September, Cargill announced that it would construct the facility on a lot that currently houses the Wichita Eagle newspaper offices. The Eagle building will be demolished, while the new Cargill building is expected to open during the summer of 2018. The Eagle has stated that it is seeking new office space.
