PLATTE CITY, Mo. — Mike Kehoe attended his first ribbon-cutting ceremony as governor Monday, officially opening a new Central Power Systems & Services location in Platte City.

Equipped with a new hands-on training center with state-of-the-art equipment, Central Powers specializes in the manufacturing and assembly of natural gas and diesel generators. The company's expansion also includes an investment of $28,000,000, creating more than 245 jobs. Kehoe says this is key to the growth of young employees.

“We always talk about workforce development, Kehoe said. "Our elected officials do, but this is it in living proof. The way they're going to work with the local career and technical center training, the internships that they're going to offer, making sure we identify what young men and women want to do as they get out of school is important to work with private sector businesses to understand the needs they have and the training is appropriate for what those needs are.”

This new facility is the third residing within the Kansas City Metro area and the fifth in Missouri. Central Power Systems & Services owns three sites in Kansas as well.

"This is what the economy is all about, and we're really happy to see the expansion happen here in Platte City, "Kehoe added. "It's a great day for not just Northern Kansas City but for all of Missouri."

On top of Missouri and Kansas, Central Power Systems & Services has witnessed vast expansion in the last decade. Running a company powered by over 500 employees, President and Chief Operating Officer John Cosgrove believes that number will rise exponentially thanks to Platte City.

"We can now attest to operating in 23 cities across 10 different states, but none more important than right here, right now, in Missouri and in the great city of Platte City," Cosgrove said. "Mayor Hoeger... Platte City General Manager Tom Cole, along with the alderman members, endorsed our plans to provide us with a pathway that will bear economic and employment opportunities for years and decades to come."

Platte City Mayor Steven Hoeger participated in the grand opening, officially proclaiming March 24, 2025, as Central Power Day.

"There are many new businesses going up around our communities, and you'll see lots of big buildings," Hoeger said. "But to have a manufacturing facility located in Platte City, potentially bringing in the future 305 new jobs to Platte City, is great for the economy and the citizens of Platte City. We welcome them and enjoy having them as a vibrant member of our community."

As for Chairman and CEO Robin Roberts, Monday proved to be emotional. In front of family, friends, employees and the Missouri governor, Robbins recanted stories of his time starring on the Discovery Channel's "Street Outlaws" for six years while traveling across the globe, working to make Central Power Systems & Services a reality. Now, the native of Englewood, Kansas, says he is proud to add another notch to his ever-growing power-supply empire.

"I want to thank my family, who put up with me and put up with our business adventures," Robbin said, teary-eyed. "When we moved across the planet several times. I built a lot of stuff up when I was a young man. I had many nights on the road. Many nights, making things happen. I have millions of miles at several airlines. They paid the price. They just lived with a dreamer who saw big stuff. A serial opportunist who found the biggest opportunity he ever came across. And here we are. This is that reality."