Facility to Strengthen Regional Grid Reliability and Emergency Response Capabilities
BOONVILLE, Mo. (December 9, 2025) — AECI Utility Solutions, a subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), has announced plans to establish a new regional distribution center in Boonville, Missouri, expanding the company’s operational footprint in the Midwest and reinforcing Missouri’s role as a hub for critical energy infrastructure.
The new facility will include approximately 50,000 square feet of warehouse and office space, along with an additional 10,000 square feet of covered storage, all situated on more than eight acres. AECI Utility Solutions is investing $7 million in the project and expects to create six new jobs. The facility is scheduled to open in August 2026.
“AECI Utility Solutions’ decision to establish operations in Boonville is another clear example of Missouri’s strength as a place to do business,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Projects like this highlight our state’s ability to support companies of all sizes while creating jobs and helping meet the growing energy needs of our region.”
Strategic Location Supports Regional Service Network
The Boonville distribution center will serve electric cooperatives and public power providers throughout AECI Utility Solutions’ five-state service footprint. The company selected Boonville for its central location, which will help shorten supply chains, improve delivery times, and enhance operational efficiency. Access to affordable, available real estate also played a key role in the site selection.
“Our expansion into Boonville marks an important milestone for AECI Utility Solutions,” said Jason Allen, Chief Commercial Officer for AECI Utility Solutions. “This new facility will strengthen our ability to deliver critical infrastructure materials quickly and reliably while supporting the electric cooperatives and public power providers that depend on us. We look forward to becoming an active and engaged member of the Boonville community.”
Local Leaders Welcome New Investment
Community leaders praised the project for its long-term economic and infrastructure benefits.
“Boonville is proud to welcome AECI Utility Solutions,” said Mayor Ned Beach. “This new distribution center represents a meaningful investment in our community, creating jobs and reinforcing Boonville’s position as an attractive location for expanding companies. We are excited about the partnership and the opportunities it will bring.”
Ken Hirlinger, President of the Boonslick Community Development Corporation, echoed that sentiment.
“This investment underscores Boonville’s key strengths, including our central location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment,” Hirlinger said. “We look forward to working closely with AECI Utility Solutions as they support electric cooperatives and public power providers across the region.”
Enhancing Grid Reliability and Emergency Response
The primary function of the Boonville facility will be the storage and distribution of electric utility materials and infrastructure components, including pole-line hardware, transformers, conductors, and safety equipment. The center will help ensure the timely delivery of materials needed to maintain and expand the electric grid, while also enhancing AECI Utility Solutions’ 24/7 emergency response capabilities during storms and other outage-related events.
“AECI Utility Solutions’ decision to invest in Boonville highlights Missouri’s competitive advantage at the center of the nation,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens our infrastructure, supports the electric grid, and creates new jobs. We are pleased to welcome AECI Utility Solutions to Missouri and look forward to their continued success.”
About AECI Utility Solutions
AECI Utility Solutions provides a comprehensive range of infrastructure materials and equipment to electric cooperatives and public power providers across its five-state footprint. The company also offers safety equipment testing, construction, and right-of-way services nationwide. AECI Utility Solutions currently maintains approximately $25 million in inventory across a strategically located warehouse network with 24/7 delivery capability.
About Missouri Partnership
Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization dedicated to attracting new jobs and investment to the state while promoting Missouri’s business advantages. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has supported projects that generated more than 35,400 jobs, $1.8 billion in new annual payroll, and $9.2 billion in capital investment, including investments from companies such as Accenture Federal Services, Casey’s, Chewy, Google, Meta, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.
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Janelle Higgins
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