$50 Million Investment in Wathena

We are thrilled to share the exciting news from Governor Laura Kelly, and the Kansas Department of Commerce, about Summit Truck Bodies’ significant investment in our state. Summit Truck Bodies (STB), a leader in service and lube truck body manufacturing, is investing $50 million to build a new state-of-the-art facility in Wathena. This strategic expansion will double the company’s production output and create 80 new jobs, further bolstering Kansas’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

Details of the Expansion:

•   Investment Amount: $50 million
•   Location: Wathena, Kansas
•   New Jobs Created: 80
•   Facility Size:
•   Manufacturing Space: 200,000 square feet
•   Office and Showroom Space: 20,000 square feet
•   Completion Time: 20 months
•   Focus: Service body production and final assembly of service trucks

Governor Kelly highlighted the importance of this expansion, stating, “Summit Truck Bodies’ expansion is proof that our dedicated workforce, quality of life, and central location draw businesses across various industries. Kansas will continue to partner with first-class companies like Summit Truck Bodies to ensure communities throughout the state have opportunities to prosper.”

“Summit Truck Bodies’ expansion is proof that our dedicated workforce, quality of life, and central location draw businesses across various industries. Kansas will continue to partner with first-class companies like Summit Truck Bodies to ensure communities throughout the state have opportunities to prosper.”

The new facility will be built adjacent to STB’s existing facility, ensuring seamless integration and optimized workflow. The current 132,000-square-foot facility will pivot to focus on manufacturing lube trucks, drawer systems, cranes, body refurbishments, and parts sales.

The Wathena community stands to gain significantly from this development. Mayor John Hontz expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited about Summit Truck Bodies’ investment and their expansion of their facility in our city. Summit has proven to be a great employer, providing valuable opportunities and benefits to our community.”

Team Kansas is proud to support and promote such impactful developments in our state. We look forward to the continued growth and success of Summit Truck Bodies and the positive economic ripple effects this expansion will bring to Wathena and beyond.