Fort Scott - Chemical products company Diversey will invest more than $10 million to establish a blending facility and warehouse in Fort Scott, bringing an initial wave of 35 to 40 jobs with plans to eventually grow its local workforce to between 80 and 100 employees, city officials said.
The company, a subsidiary of Solenis, will occupy the former Valu Merchandisers warehouse at 4805 Campbell Dr. , which has been vacant for two years. The facility will primarily produce cleaning agents for the food and beverage industry.
The $10 million investment will cover remodeling the existing building to fit the company's needs, bringing in equipment for the operation, and making minor building repairs, according to City Manager Brad Matkin.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Fort Scott," Matkin said. "Diversey's significant investment not only brings quality jobs to our community but also reinforces our position as a strategic location for industrial growth and logistics."
The initial 35 to 40 permanent positions are expected to pay between $17 and $20 per hour, according to Matkin. Hiring is anticipated to begin in late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2026.
Mary Wyatt, the city's Director of Business Development, said Diversey ultimately hopes to grow its Fort Scott workforce to approximately 80 to 100 employees over the next three years.
"We are very grateful and excited for the jobs that Diversey is bringing to our community," Wyatt said. "We welcome them with open arms."
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin by mid-June 2026, with warehousing operations planned for the fourth quarter of this year. Full operations are expected to be underway by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
The project reflects Diversey's broader strategy to consolidate production and warehousing into a single centralized location.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said state officials had worked closely with site selectors and local partners to find a tenant for the building since Valu Merchandisers closed.
"We look forward to Diversey's investment in the community and their future contributions to the regional and state economies," Toland said.
