CLAYTON, Mo.–Emerson Electric Company invited dozens inside its new modernized headquarters within Emerson Tower in Clayton. 

What You Need To Know

  • Emerson Electric Co.'s headquarters is now in Clayton after over 80 years in Ferguson
  • Employees love the spacious environment and natural lighting among other modernized improvements with the move

  • Their CEO announced three new philanthropic investments for 2025 of $2 million each to the Zoo, Great Rivers Greenway, and Forest Park Forever

  • The desire to help St. Louis improve from the issues the area faces today weighed heavily on Emerson's choice to keep the headquarters in the area

“Today was a a very important day for history of our company,” said Lal Karsanbhai, CEO of Emerson Electric Co. “As we redesigned the portfolio of the company, we also felt that we need to redesign the work environment: to bring more connectivity, to drive more inclusiveness in the employees of the company, and create a modern workspace that honestly can help us attract and retain the best talent.”

Emerson announced it was selling the Ferguson campus to Climate Technologies, Inc. in 2022. 

Shortly after that announcement, they put suspicions of leaving the area to rest as they announced intentions to stay in the St. Louis area. 

Karsanbhai wouldn’t speak to exactly how many other cities approached them about a move but he did say it was “a lot.”  

Employees began moving in to the Clayton location during December 2024. They immediately enjoyed the increase in natural light, openness of space, large terrace, the proximity of offices, the barista and more. Despite only 400 of the over 70,000 Emerson employees being located in St. Louis, the CEO says employees all over were ecstatic the headquarters would remain in the region.

“We raised our charitable contributions from $20 million to $30 million this year. We have a $200 million, 10-year commitment to early childhood education. We're continuing on that commitment, but in addition to that, we felt there was broader need in the community beyond education,” Karsanbhai said.

He announced three new philanthropic investments for 2025 during his opening remarks. 

A $2 million donation to the St. Louis Zoo will contribute to the creation of a nature play area at the Wildcare Park which is set to open in 2027. It’ll feature interactive play structures aiming “to engage children and families while cultivating a connection to wildlife and conservation.”

Emerson also is donating $2 million to the Great Rivers Greenway Brickline Greenway. The contribution will go towards the Spring Avenue segment which stretches from Lindell to Page.

The third $2 million donation announcement was for Forest Park Forever to fund design, renovation and construction of “the Glade,” which includes Steinberg Pavilion and ice rink. Forest Park Forever is reimagining the space as a year-round destination.