Franklin County is blessed with a strong base of diversified industries.  Its access to I-35, K-68 and U.S. 59 Highways as well as the BNSF Railroad makes it extremely attractive for distribution of products throughout the U.S.A.  Our proximity to the Kansas City Metro Area , our workforce and our inexpensive land we have all the elements necessary to attract and retain industry. This fact is illustrated by the investment of Wal*Mart and American Eagle Outfitters in construction of large distribution centers. American Eagle Outfitters, a major retailer of clothing goods for youth, has over one million square foot under roof in the Northeast Ottawa Industrial Park.  American Eagle Outfitters currently employs over 700. The Wal*Mart Distribution Center with 1.3 million square feet under roof was built in 1995 and is the largest employer in Franklin County with 1,500 employees. Kalmar/Ottawa Industries, the world's largest builder of yard tractors for import/export facilities has expanded its product line to include forklift tractors employs 300. Kennel-Aire, the second largest pet carrier builder and distributor in the world currently occupies two facilities totaling 141,000 square foot and employs 100.  Midwest Cabinet a commercial cabinet builder employs 150 and serves  customers coast to coast as well as Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Chucky Cheese, Applebee's and Cabela's are a few of their clients.  Schuff Steel, a steel fabricator with a resume that includes some of the largest steel projects in the U.S. employs 175.  The Washington D.C. Convention Center, the Pittsburg Steelers Stadium, the Kansas City Stars new press and distribution center and the Sprint Center in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri are a few of their recent productions.