Monett’s Industries Have a Wide National Reach

Monett’s economy runs on hard work, strong partnerships and smart planning. Employers from major manufacturers to tech firms have helped create steady jobs for local families and surrounding towns.

“Monett is very unique. We have a very strong industrial base, and we have to credit our forefathers and city planners who had the foresight to attract industries to Monett,” said Ken Gaspar, a city council and school board member and Jack Henry employee.

Schreiber Foods, Tyson Foods, EFCO, and Architectural Systems Inc., are among the major employers that help keep Monett’s economy strong. They employ thousands of people across industries that range from food to fabrication.

Schreiber Foods has been in Monett since 1976, producing cheese locally, and cheese, beverages, cream cheese and yogurt at its other national locations for global brands. Known for its people-first culture, the company has become an anchor of the local economy.

Tyson Foods’ Monett complex employs about 500 people and is part of Tyson’s small bird division. The facility produces chicken for deli rotisserie products sold at Walmart, as well as smaller pieces used by fast food chains such as Chick-fil-A, Popeyes and KFC.

“We take pride in being a top supplier to national accounts and local customers as well,” said Complex Manager Cedric Ficklin. “We have over 20 customers we serve from this location, including Food Lion, Walmart, PFG, Sysco and Target.”  

The plant produces roughly 15 million pounds of chicken each month.  

Architectural Systems Inc. (ASI) was founded in Monett in 1998 by Scott Beckwith and Charlie Locher and specializes in metal fabrication and engineering. What began with a handful of employees has grown into a company with locations in Monett, Aurora and Granby. ASI’s work can be seen in major projects such as New York’s Freedom Tower, the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Amazon’s Seattle headquarters.

EFCO, another key employer, manufactures architectural framing and window systems used in buildings across the country. They’ve installed curtain wall systems at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pittsburgh and the UC Davis Cancer Center in Sacramento, among many others.

Monett’s industrial base extends beyond manufacturing. Jack Henry, headquartered in the city, is a national leader in financial technology. The company provides digital services for banks and credit unions nationwide and employs hundreds of people locally. “At Jack Henry, it’s not just what we do, but how we do it,” said Gaspar.  

As Monett’s industries grow, so does the community. Stable jobs allow families to buy homes and send their children to local schools, and strong schools attract even more families. That steady cycle of growth helps draw new employers to the area.

While Monett’s large industries form the backbone of the economy, small businesses are just as vital. Locally owned shops, restaurants and service providers continue to open and thrive, keeping downtown Monett active and vibrant. City and business leaders say the balance between large employers and homegrown entrepreneurs keeps the community resilient.

Jasmine Burks, who leads the Monett Chamber of Commerce, said the city’s growth comes from close collaboration between business and community leaders. Being split between Barry and Lawrence counties gives Monett an advantage.

“Having two counties gives industries options when it comes to incentives and financing,” she said. “We also want our towns around us to flourish because we bring in about 5,000 workers a day from outside Monett to work.”

Burks said a new Barry-Lawrence Economic Development Commission is being formed to identify priorities and address workforce challenges. The Chamber is also working with local organizations to address a lack of childcare.  

“We know parents need affordable, safe choices for daycare, so we are creating partnerships,” Burks said.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce describes its mission as promoting pride and progress by enhancing the business environment and quality of life. Burks said that spirit of cooperation has helped Monett grow while strengthening surrounding towns.

“There’s nothing like living here. People are friendly, they know your name and they’ll take care of you,” she said. She added that she’s lived in several places but was happy to come home to the Monett area to raise her children.  

“It always takes people,” Gaspar said. “People who step up, who want to put their name on the line to help our community and do whatever it takes to get things done. No one is looking for credit or the spotlight.”

Gaspar said priorities include preparing infrastructure for housing development and supporting the city’s existing industries.  

“We are making sure we’re always looking to protect what we have and attract more businesses to the area to grow,” he said. “We’re committed to projects that put things in place for housing developers and industries to come to Monett.”

The city operates its own utilities and trash services, maintains two large parks and recently completed updates to its municipal airport, which ranks among the busiest in Missouri.

“The focus today is similar to what it was 60 years ago,” Gaspar said. “Making sure current residents have the best opportunities available to them and that we put in place the right tools and resources for corporations to succeed.”

Local industries continue to invest in Monett, helping create new chances for people to work and build their lives here. Monett’s leaders say collaboration and preparation keep the city moving forward.

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