March 19, 2026

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St. Joseph

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Van-Am, a metal machining and fabrication company, announced today that it will expand in St. Joseph, investing $1.5 million and creating 17 new jobs. The company’s expansion will support the growth of its MK41 project, a cutting-edge technology component currently used by the U.S. Navy. 

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“Missouri’s manufacturing sector continues to play a vital role in strengthening our nation’s defense and our state’s economy,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “The expansion of Van-Am and its new partnership with the U.S. Navy highlight the advanced capabilities of Missouri companies and the highly skilled workforce that powers them. We’re proud to see Van-Am continuing to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the critical products that help keep our nation safe.”

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Van-Am was recently awarded a new defense contract to produce the MK 41 Vertical Launching System. This is a new product line for Van-Am and expands the production capability and capacity of the company’s offerings to meet increasing industry demand. The company’s technical expertise and commitment to quality position it for continued partnership opportunities across defense, aerospace, and other industrial sectors.

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“This new technology will expand our capabilities and increase our capacity,” said Keith Mills, CEO of Van-Am. “This component, used by the U.S. Navy, is equipment we stand by, and it will provide more opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.”

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“When combined with the knowledge and experience our team provides, we have great confidence in our ability to take on large and exciting projects,” said Aaron Lytton, Quality Manager at Van-Am. “We’re able to do this while ensuring every component meets the highest standards of our customers.”

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Since its establishment in 1981, Van-Am has partnered with its customers to provide quality solutions in tooling, stamping, machining, and manufacturing. The company has expanded to be a provider of heavy fabrications and machined products in the industrial, medical, and defense markets. New jobs added as part of Van-Am’s expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.

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“Van-Am has been an important part of Missouri’s manufacturing landscape for more than four decades, and we’re excited to see the company investing in its future,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This $1.5 million capital investment in Buchanan County and the creation of 17 new high-paying jobs reflect the strength of Missouri’s advanced manufacturing sector. Van-Am has demonstrated a strong commitment to our state and we’re proud to support the company’s continued growth and success.”

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For this expansion, Van-Am will benefit from the Missouri Works Program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Van-Am is estimated to receive $210,325 through the Missouri Works Program subject to verification of program requirements. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.

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What others are saying- 

“We’re thrilled to see Van-Am expand its defense and aerospace operations here," said Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. "It’s a strong vote of confidence in our workforce, our infrastructure, and the future of our region.”

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“We’re proud to see Van-Am expand its operations in St. Joseph," said St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale. "Investments like this create high-quality jobs, strengthen our local economy, and demonstrate the confidence businesses have in our community.”

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“The purpose of the Buchanan County Economic Development Loan Fund is for projects just like this," said Scott Nelson, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner. "Simply put, the County likes to help established businesses in manufacturing/production in our area expand their scope of operations and create new jobs for our community. We call this taking care of our own. This is an efficient use of our limited funding."

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