$11.5 million Caterpillar Wamego plant may have a new owner soon, what to know
WAMEGO (KSNT) - A major manufacturing plant in Wamego may have a potential buyer as its final day of operation under the Caterpillar Inc. brand draws closer.
27 News followed up with the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) about the Caterpillar plant in Wamego. The company confirmed it would be closing this facility in 2025, resulting in a loss of 300 jobs and a blow to the local economy.
Shanna Goodman with the PCEDC told 27 News the Wamego Caterpillar plant hit the real estate market in November last year with the price tag set at $11.5 million. She said the PCEDC is focused on retaining the "highly skilled" Caterpillar workforce in light of the plant closure by helping to find a buyer for the facility.
Goodman said the PCEDC is collaborating with the real estate company Colliers, the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) and Caterpillar to help with the sale of the plant. A number of buyers have reportedly taken an interest in purchasing the site recently.
"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," Goodman said. "As I understand it, Colliers is reportedly working with approximately 5–7 highly qualified leads, and we’ve had numerous discussions with companies about workforce availability, utilities, and potential incentives."
Colliers lists the biggest selling points of the facility on its website. This includes being close to both the Topeka and Manhattan metro areas, having access to I-70 and occupying a combined 81 acres of developed and unoccupied land. Goodman said the plant is also close by a Manhattan Area Technical College satellite location and welding lab which can provide the facility's new owners with speedy training for new employees.
"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," Goodman said. "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."
27 News reached out to Caterpillar for an updated statement on the closure of its plant but has yet to receive a response. The plant is due to close sometime in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Colliers. You can view the property brochure from Colliers below:
Caterpillar - Brochure by Matthew Self on Scribd
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