Kansas is a state known for its vast prairies, rich agricultural heritage, and friendly Midwestern charm.
But beyond its picturesque landscapes and friendly residents, Kansas is also home to some of the largest companies in the United States.
From aviation and aerospace giants like Spirit AeroSystems and Garmin to healthcare leaders such as Cerner Corporation, Kansas boasts a diverse and thriving business community.
The state’s economy also benefits from the presence of major players in the energy and manufacturing sectors, including Koch Industries and Ford Motor Company.
1. Koch Industries, Inc.
Background: Koch Industries, Inc., headquartered in Wichita.
Kansas, is one of the largest privately-held conglomerates globally, with interests in various industries, including manufacturing, refining, and commodities trading.
Core Industries: Engaged in diversified operations, including refining, chemicals, minerals, fertilizers, and more.
Notable Achievements: Known for its significant presence in the energy sector and its extensive philanthropic efforts.
2. Sprint Corporation
Background: Sprint Corporation, previously headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, was a major telecommunications company that merged with T-Mobile US in 2020.
Core Industries: Provided wireless and internet services to consumers and businesses.
Notable Achievements: Pioneered innovations in wireless technology and contributed to the evolution of mobile communication.
3. Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation
Background: Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, based in Wichita, Kansas, is a subsidiary of Cargill, Incorporated, one of the largest privately-held companies globally.
Core Industries: Engaged in meat processing and distribution, supplying beef, pork, poultry, and other protein products.
Notable Achievements: Known for its extensive network of processing facilities and its commitment to food safety and quality.
4. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.
Background: Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, is one of the largest suppliers of aerospace components and systems worldwide.
Core Industries: Specializes in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft.
Notable Achievements: Provides critical components for leading aircraft manufacturers, contributing to the aerospace industry’s advancement.
5. Garmin Ltd.
Background: Garmin Ltd., headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, is a multinational technology company known for its GPS navigation and wearable technology products.
Core Industries: Designs and manufactures GPS devices, navigation systems, aviation products, and fitness wearables.
Notable Achievements: Pioneered innovations in GPS technology, offering precise navigation solutions for various industries and outdoor activities.
6. Black & Veatch Corporation
Background: Black & Veatch Corporation, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is a global engineering, procurement, and construction company.
Core Industries: Provides consulting, engineering, construction, and environmental services across various sectors, including energy, water, and telecommunications.
Notable Achievements: Known for its expertise in infrastructure projects and its focus on sustainable solutions.
7. Seaboard Corporation
Background: Seaboard Corporation, based in Merriam, Kansas, is a diversified conglomerate with interests in agriculture, shipping, and milling operations.
Core Industries: Engaged in agriculture, pork production, shipping, and commodities trading.
Notable Achievements: Operates globally, with a focus on providing food products and logistical services.
8. YRC Worldwide Inc.
Background: YRC Worldwide Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is a transportation company specializing in freight shipping and logistics.
Core Industries: Provides transportation services, including less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping, truckload, and logistics solutions.
Notable Achievements: Operates a network of carriers serving customers across North America, contributing to supply chain efficiency.
Related Articles:
9. Kansas City Southern Railway
Background: Kansas City Southern Railway, based in Kansas City, Kansas, is a Class I railroad company operating in the central and southern United States, Mexico, and Panama.
Core Industries: Provides freight transportation services, including rail shipping of commodities such as agricultural products, chemicals, and automotive goods.
Notable Achievements: Known for its cross-border operations and its role in facilitating trade between the United States and Mexico.
10. BNSF Railway Company
Background: BNSF Railway Company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, operates extensive rail networks in Kansas and across the western United States.
Core Industries: Provides freight transportation services, including the shipment of commodities such as coal, grain, and consumer goods.
Notable Achievements: A major player in the transportation industry, known for its efficient rail operations and technological innovations.
11. Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.
Background: Capitol Federal Financial, Inc., headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, is a savings and loan holding company operating through its subsidiary, Capitol Federal Savings Bank.
Core Industries: Provides banking and financial services, including mortgage lending, retail banking, and wealth management.
Notable Achievements: Known for its stability and focus on serving customers’ financial needs in the communities it serves.
12. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
Background: AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., based in Leawood, Kansas, is one of the largest movie theater chains in the world.
Core Industries: Operates movie theaters, offering a wide range of films and entertainment experiences.
Notable Achievements: Known for its presence in the entertainment industry and its efforts to enhance the moviegoing experience.
13. Westar Energy, Inc.
Background: Westar Energy, Inc., formerly headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, merged with Great Plains Energy to form Evergy, Inc., a leading electric utility company serving Kansas and Missouri.
Core Industries: Generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Notable Achievements: Plays a crucial role in providing reliable energy services and supporting economic growth in the region.
14. Payless Holdings LLC
Background: Payless Holdings LLC, based in Topeka, Kansas, was a footwear retailer operating under the Payless ShoeSource brand.
Core Industries: Sold affordable footwear and accessories through its retail stores and online channels.
Notable Achievements: Known for offering budget-friendly footwear options and its presence in the retail industry.
15. Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Background: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, is a dairy cooperative representing dairy farmers across the United States.
Core Industries: Engaged in dairy processing, marketing, and distribution of dairy products.
Notable Achievements: Represents dairy farmers’ interests and contributes to the sustainability of the dairy industry.
16. Lansing Trade Group, LLC
Background: Lansing Trade Group, LLC, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is a commodity trading company specializing in agricultural products and services.
Core Industries: Trades and merchandises grain, feed ingredients, energy products, and other agricultural commodities.
Notable Achievements: Known for its expertise in commodity trading and its extensive network of grain handling and storage facilities.
17. Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc.
Background: Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., based in Kansas City.
Missouri, with a significant presence in Kansas, is a full-service engineering, architecture, and construction company.
Core Industries: Provides engineering, design, and construction services across various sectors, including energy, aviation, and infrastructure.
Notable Achievements: Recognized for its innovative engineering solutions and its contributions to major infrastructure projects.
18. SelectQuote, Inc.
Background: SelectQuote, Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is a technology-enabled direct-to-consumer insurance distribution platform.
Core Industries: Provides insurance comparison services and facilitates the purchase of life, auto, and home insurance policies.
Notable Achievements: Known for its user-friendly online platform and its ability to help consumers compare insurance options and find affordable coverage.
19. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
Background: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, based in Kansas City, Missouri, with a service area covering Kansas and Missouri, is a nonprofit health insurance company.
Core Industries: Offers health insurance plans and related services to individuals, families, and employers.
Notable Achievements: Plays a vital role in providing access to healthcare coverage and promoting health and wellness initiatives in the community.
20. Compass Minerals International, Inc.
Background: Compass Minerals International, Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is a leading producer of salt, plant nutrients, and magnesium chloride.
Core Industries: Mines, processes, and distributes salt products for deicing, industrial, and agricultural applications.
Notable Achievements: Known for its reliable salt production and its commitment to sustainable resource management.
21. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
Background: Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is one of the largest propane suppliers in the United States.
Core Industries: Distributes propane and related products to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers.
Notable Achievements: Known for its extensive distribution network and its role in providing clean and efficient energy solutions.
22. NIC Inc.
Background: NIC Inc., based in Olathe, Kansas, is a digital government solutions company that helps government agencies modernize their online services.
Core Industries: Provides digital government services, including website development, payment processing, and application management.
Notable Achievements: Known for its innovative technology solutions that improve citizen access to government services and streamline operations.
23. Embarq Corporation
Background: Embarq Corporation, previously headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, was a telecommunications company providing landline phone and internet services.
Core Industries: Offered residential and business telecommunications services, including voice, data, and internet services.
Notable Achievements: Played a significant role in providing telecommunications infrastructure and services in Kansas and other states.
24. The Mutual Fund Store, LLC
Background: The Mutual Fund Store, LLC, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, was a financial advisory firm specializing in investment management and retirement planning.
Core Industries: Provided personalized investment advice and financial planning services to individual investors.
Notable Achievements: Known for its client-focused approach to financial planning and its efforts to educate investors about retirement savings.
25. Watco Companies, LLC
Background: Watco Companies, LLC, based in Pittsburg, Kansas, is one of the largest short-line railroad holding companies in the United States.
Core Industries: Operates short-line and regional railroads, providing freight transportation and logistics services.
Notable Achievements: Known for its strategic acquisitions and its role in revitalizing rail infrastructure in local communities.
26. Husch Blackwell LLP
Background: Husch Blackwell LLP is a prominent law firm with offices in Kansas City, Kansas, and other locations across the United States.
Core Industries: Provides legal services to clients in various sectors, including corporate law, litigation, healthcare, and intellectual property.
Notable Achievements: Known for its expertise in a wide range of legal areas and its commitment to client satisfaction.
27. Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
Background: Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, is one of the largest cooperative food wholesalers in the United States.
Core Industries: Supplies groceries and other products to independent retail grocery stores.
Notable Achievements: Plays a vital role in supporting independent grocery retailers and providing access to a wide range of products.
28. Protection One, Inc.
Background: Protection One, Inc., based in Wichita, Kansas, was one of the largest home security companies in the United States before being acquired by ADT Inc.
Core Industries: Provided residential and commercial security solutions, including alarm systems, monitoring services, and smart home automation.
Notable Achievements: Known for its advanced security technology and its commitment to protecting homes and businesses.
29. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Background: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, is a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive Company and a leading producer of pet foods.
Core Industries: Manufactures and markets premium pet foods and nutrition products for dogs and cats.
Notable Achievements: Recognized for its scientific approach to pet nutrition and its commitment to pet health and wellness.
30. Koch Pipeline Company, L.P.
Background: Koch Pipeline Company, L.P., based in Wichita, Kansas, is a subsidiary of Koch Industries and operates pipelines for transporting crude oil, natural gas liquids, and refined petroleum products.
Core Industries: Engaged in the transportation and storage of energy products through its pipeline network.
Notable Achievements: Plays a critical role in the energy infrastructure of the United States, facilitating the movement of energy resources.
31. National Beef Packing Company, LLC
Background: National Beef Packing Company, LLC, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with major processing facilities in Kansas, is one of the largest beef processing companies in the United States.
Core Industries: Engaged in beef processing and meatpacking operations, supplying beef products to retailers, foodservice providers, and export markets.
Notable Achievements: Known for its high-quality beef products and its role in the meatpacking industry.
32. Kansas City Power and Light Company
Background: Kansas City Power and Light Company, formerly headquartered in Kansas City.
Missouri, merged with Westar Energy to form Evergy, Inc., a leading electric utility company serving Kansas and Missouri.
Core Industries: Generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Notable Achievements: Plays a crucial role in providing reliable energy services and supporting economic growth in the region.
33. Intouch Solutions, Inc.
Background: Intouch Solutions, Inc., based in Overland Park, Kansas, is a digital marketing agency specializing in healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing.
Core Industries: Provides digital marketing services, including website development, mobile apps, social media, and advertising campaigns, tailored for healthcare clients.
Notable Achievements: Known for its innovative digital marketing strategies and its focus on driving patient engagement and healthcare outcomes.
34. Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Background: Terracon Consultants, Inc., headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, is an engineering consulting firm providing environmental, geotechnical, and materials testing services.
Core Industries: Offers consulting and engineering services for infrastructure projects, environmental remediation, and construction materials testing.
Notable Achievements: Recognized for its expertise in environmental and geotechnical engineering and its contributions to major construction projects.
35. Intrust Bank, N.A.
Background: Intrust Bank, N.A., based in Wichita, Kansas, is a regional bank providing a range of financial services, including banking, lending, wealth management, and trust services.
Core Industries: Offers personal and commercial banking services, investment management, and financial planning solutions.
Notable Achievements: Known for its commitment to customer service, community involvement, and financial stability.
36. Interstate Bakeries Corporation
Background: Interstate Bakeries Corporation, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with significant operations in Kansas, was one of the largest producers of baked goods in the United States.
Core Industries: Manufactured and distributed a wide range of bakery products, including bread, buns, cakes, and snacks, under various brand names.
Notable Achievements: Known for its iconic brands and its role in the baking industry.
37. Great Plains Energy Incorporated (now part of Evergy, Inc.)
Background: Great Plains Energy Incorporated, formerly headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, merged with Westar Energy to form Evergy, Inc., a leading electric utility company serving Kansas and Missouri.
Core Industries: Generated, transmitted, and distributed electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Notable Achievements: Played a significant role in providing reliable energy services and supporting economic development in the region.
38. Euronet Worldwide, Inc.
Background: Euronet Worldwide, Inc., based in Leawood, Kansas, is a global provider of electronic payment and transaction processing solutions.
Core Industries: Offers electronic payment services, including ATM processing, prepaid solutions, money transfer, and currency exchange.
Notable Achievements: Known for its innovative payment technologies and its presence in the global financial services industry.
39. Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC) Kenworth
Background: Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC) Kenworth, headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, is one of the largest distributors of Kenworth trucks and parts in the United States.
Core Industries: Sells and services commercial trucks, including new and used Kenworth trucks, parts, and accessories.
Notable Achievements: Known for its extensive network of dealerships and its commitment to customer support and service excellence.
40. Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka
Background: Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, based in Topeka, Kansas, is one of the 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, providing liquidity and funding to member financial institutions.
Core Industries: Offers low-cost funding and liquidity solutions to member banks and credit unions to support housing finance and community development initiatives.
Notable Achievements: Plays a vital role in promoting homeownership and affordable housing initiatives in the region.
41. Butler National Corporation
Background: Butler National Corporation, headquartered in Olathe, Kansas, is a diversified conglomerate with interests in aerospace, gaming, and professional services.
Core Industries: Engaged in aerospace manufacturing, casino management, and management consulting.
Notable Achievements: Known for its diverse portfolio of businesses and its focus on delivering value to shareholders.
Read Also:
Conclusion
Kansas hosts a diverse array of companies across industries such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications.
These companies, ranging from global giants to regional players, contribute significantly to the state’s economy and innovation.
With expertise in sectors like aerospace, engineering, and energy, they drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to the state’s overall prosperity.
