By: The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 1.21.25
We want to provide the community with an update on the ongoing efforts in response to the closure of Caterpillar’s Wamego facility. The impact of this closure on our community cannot be overstated, and we are dedicated to helping every affected employee and family through this transition.
The Wamego Caterpillar facility is officially on the market, with the listing going live in mid-November through Colliers, the commercial real estate agency hired by Caterpillar.
Caterpillar has announced that operations at the facility will cease in mid-2025, likely around June or July. Since the closure was announced to employees last June, we’ve partnered with community organizations to provide support. A key initiative was the Community Career Fair in late August, where 34 employers showcased diverse regional job opportunities. Kansas’ Rapid Response team was on-site in December to help employees navigate the next few months, answering questions on unemployment benefits, medical assistance, retirement and health care coverage.
The current Caterpillar workforce is highly skilled and represents a valuable asset for any potential buyer. Retaining this workforce has been our top priority throughout the process.
We are optimistic about securing a buyer before the facility’s closure, as it garnered significant and almost immediate interest from regional, national, and international parties. Colliers is reportedly working with approximately 5–7 highly qualified leads, and numerous discussions have been had with companies about workforce availability, utilities, and potential incentives. Our local economic development team collaborates regularly—often daily—with Caterpillar, Colliers, and the Kansas Department of Commerce to facilitate the sale.
Further, the facility is a tremendous value at an incredible price and its highly strategic location offers seamless connections to major routes like I-70, US 24, and KS-99 as well as the newly constructed Industrial Commerce Route in Pottawatomie County. With a Manhattan Area Technical College satellite location and welding lab less than a mile from the facility, the new owners will be able to train employees quickly and efficiently to their own processes and procedures.
While Caterpillar’s closure announcement was disappointing, the company’s commitment to being a strong community partner and supporting the transition for a new business has been reassuring. We are also encouraged by the unwavering support from the community and our regional partners. Although we are saddened to see Caterpillar leave, we are excited about future opportunities and the potential for growth that can make our community stronger and more prosperous than ever.
We appreciate the patience and resilience of our amazing community during this time. We are working diligently to create a pathway toward a stronger and more diversified local economy. Our commitment to the well-being of our community remains steadfast, and we will continue to provide updates as we progress.
Media inquiries should be directed to Shanna Goodman at Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) at (785) 456-9776 or shanna@ecodevo.com.
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