Idaho’s Melaleuca expands into Missouri with purchase

Harley-Davidson closed its Kansas City plant in May and laid off hundreds of workers. It then put the 507,729-square-foot plant and its 314 acre site on the market $26.5 million.

Melaleuca Inc. of Idaho Falls finalized its purchase of the former Harley-Davidson property the week before Christmas, bringing 200 jobs back to the Kansas City area.

“We are proud to welcome Melaleuca to Missouri,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “The company’s creation of over 200 jobs is great for our state, and its dedication to health and wellness in a time when our citizens need it most is to be commended. We look forward to seeing Melaleuca grow and succeed moving forward.”

Melaleuca manufactures and retails a product line of over 450 health and wellness products. The firm announced on Dec. 18 that it will invest at least $35.5 million into the facility. It anticipates that the refit of the plant into its new Midwest distribution center will be finished in early 2022.

Melaleuca was founded in 1985 by Frank VanderSloot. Today, it is one of the nation’s largest direct-to-consumer online retailers, specializing in  nutrition, personal care, home cleaning and cosmetics. The company prides itself for scientifically-researched toxin-free products using naturally-based ingredients. Recently, the company was ranked by Forbes magazine as one of America’s best employers.

“Our products are being enthusiastically embraced throughout the world,” CEO VanderSloot stated in Melaleuca’s announcement of the purchase. “Although Melaleuca has experienced periods of explosive growth over the years, consumers are flocking to Melaleuca now more than ever because they are concerned about their family’s overall health. They are searching for effective, safe, natural health and wellness products, which is Melaleuca’s specialty. When it comes to their health, people don’t want to take shortcuts, and they are relying on Melaleuca’s superior product line to enjoy healthier, more vibrant lives.”

Melaleuca anticipates the new Kansas City distribution center will not only speed online delivery for customers throughout the Midwest, but also enable faster e-commerce shipping across the country. The facility will be the third distribution location for the company, in addition to those it already operates in Idaho Falls and Tennessee.