Sioux Chief Manufacturing has begun initial work on its new headquarters in the northwest corner of the Centerpoint complex in south Kansas City, formerly the site of Richards Gebaur Air Force Base.

Joe P. Ismert, Sioux Chief owner, said current activity involves the ground being leveled to make room for the new facility – projected to be in excess of 1 million square feet. Crews should begin pouring the foundation within the next few weeks.

The company expects the new facility will be ready in early 2017.

Almost all of the 600-plus employees will be making the move to the new headquarters. Sioux Chief’s extrusion operation will remain in the original Peculiar, Mo., facility.

One of the last items to make the move to the new headquarters will be the iconic sculpture of the Sioux Indian chief that has stood in front of the company’s entrance for many years. Moving the heavy sculpture by truck for the 21-mile journey will be an event all by itself.

“In my mind,” said Ismert, “we’ll know we’re settled in our new home when the Chief is standing guard out in front of the building.”