Officially proclaimed as "Weber Day" by Kansas City, MO, Mayor Kay Barnes, the June 23 celebration of the Grand Opening of our North American Technology Center actually began on Thursday, the day before.

Weber Owner and CEO Guenther Weber, was invited to throw out the first pitch at Royals Stadium as his wife Kirsten and thousands of fans looked on.

His near-perfect pitch to battery mate Hartmut Bloecher was the perfect start to the Royals 6-3 victory.

Watching from a luxury suite above the first base line, Weber employees and guests had fun teaching our executive team from Germany the finer points of the game.

June 23, 2006 - the long awaited day had finally arrived! While awaiting the arrival of our many guests, Weber employees readied the reception area of our new home...

... as well as the sparkling new Product Testing and Demonstration Room, where refreshments would be served following our ceremonial Ribbon Slicing.

Down the hall, the transformation of our new warehouse space into a reception area/meeting room was almost complete...

... and ceremonial champagne bottled for the occasion was readied to toast the opening of our North American Technology Center.

As customers, local dignitaries and values guests began their arrival, each was asked to inscribe their name on a special Weber blue stainless steel blade to commemorate the occasion.

This keepsake of the occasion and all its participants will become a treasured part of our décor.

Scott Scriven, President of Weber North America was first to take the stage and welcome our guests...

... offering his thoughts on the project and thanks to all who participated in its successful completion.

Representing the American Meat Institute, Rod Brenneman, President of Seaboard Foods, offered congratulations from the industry and welcomed Weber's investment in North American business.

Bonnie Sue Cooper, Councilperson-at-Large of Kansas City, MO, spoke glowingly of Weber's significant investment in the economic development of Platte County...

and joined with 2nd District Councilman John Fairfield to present Weber with the Mayor's official proclamation of June 23 as "Weber Day" in Kansas City, America's 39th largest city.

Dan Bowden, builder of our new Technology Center, offered his perspective on the many unique and energy efficient features of our new building...

... and presented Guenther Weber with the ceremonial "keys" to the North American Technology Center.

Mr. Weber took time to congratulate his North American colleages, speak about the 25th anniversary of the company he founded...

... and the 10 years of growth since opening the first North American office in 1996.

Toasting the successful completion of our building project were Julie and Scott Scriven, the entire Weber team and all of our valued guests...

... as well as Kirsten and Guenther Weber, flanked by building architect Friedrich Steinberg.

Our guests adjourned to the Product Demonstration and Testing Room for the official Ribbon Slicing ceremony...

... where refreshments would be served and a chance to socialize would be enjoyed.

Though the slicing equipment used for the task was not designed by Weber, it cleanly sliced the ribbon...

... And guests were welcomed in to view Weber's latest slicing technology while enjoying conversation.

... and a sumptuous selection of food and beverages.

We are delighted to be housed within the North American Technology Center and ready to provide the superior service and training that our customers rely on and deserve. We hope that you will soon schedule a product demonstration and come to visit our new home. Thanks you for your continuing support.