Caterpillar subsidiary expands into KC, turning dirt to create 85 jobs in revitalized industrial corridor near riverfront
August 12, 2025 | Startland News Staff
A multi-million dollar expansion project is expected to put an aging manufacturing site back on track in Kansas City, officials at Progress Rail announced Monday, noting the converted operation will focus on re-manufacturing railcar wheelsets and bearings.
The Progress Rail facility at 5600 Stilwell St.; Google Maps image
Progress Rail — a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. — expects to bring 85 new full-time jobs to the 80,000-square-foot facility at 5600 Stilwell St., which previously was operated by a different Caterpillar business unit.
Financial details related to the project were not immediately disclosed.
“Our investment in this facility and the local community demonstrates the overall depth of the railroad business in Kansas City and Progress Rail’s commitment to keep our customers rolling with quality freight car parts and services,” said Greg Dalpe, executive vice president of freight car services at Progress Rail. “We’re excited to expand our footprint in Kansas City and contribute to the region’s ongoing growth as a national logistics hub.”
The project — which Progress Rails said underscores its commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices in the transportation sector — is being advanced through a public-private partnership led by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), in collaboration with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Progress Rail is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of locomotive, freight car, and infrastructure solutions and technologies for global rail customers.
It has a network of nearly 150 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, India and Australia.
“Kansas City is proud to welcome Progress Rail and the high-quality jobs and investment it brings to our community,” said Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. “This project is a powerful example of how we can reimagine and reinvest in our industrial corridors to support working families, grow our economy, and strengthen Kansas City’s position as a national transportation and logistics leader.”
EDCKC played a critical role in supporting this expansion from initial engagement through City Council approval, helping to facilitate a deal that strengthens the region’s position as a rail and logistics powerhouse.
“This is a strong win for Kansas City’s industrial ecosystem,” said Nathan Vanice, business development officer at EDCKC. “We’re proud to have helped Progress Rail bring this project to life. Their decision to reinvest here speaks to the value of our city’s workforce, infrastructure, and location at the center of America’s freight network.”
The Missouri Department of Economic Development also provided support for the project engaging such tools as the Missouri Works Program to make the Progress Rail investment possible, state officials said.
“Kansas City is a prime destination for transportation and logistics leaders like Progress Rail,” said Gov. Mike Kehoe, R-Missouri. “We’re proud that this company is contributing to the area’s thriving rail industry through this significant investment. Progress Rail’s new facility is creating jobs while ensuring the continued growth of Kansas City’s vibrant economy.”
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Operation Breakthrough bridge over Troost symbolizes ‘real community’ at an intersection
With reflection in his voice, Alvin Brooks paused. “The city has to be a partner,” the Civil Rights activist and veteran Kansas City Police Commissioner said as he spoke of the redevelopment of Troost Avenue — the well known racial dividing line, that has long isolated the east side of the Kansas City metro from the…
Troostapalooza aims to shed the old skin of city’s racial dividing line, says Kemet Coleman
Troostapalooza will build community while constructively addressing the elephant in the room, said Kemet Coleman, organizer of the newly developed street festival. “We wanted to create a home away from home on Troost that is inclusive and sensitive to the historic and existing nuances,” he said. “Not the violent, divisive one that is portrayed by…
Defiant anti-gentrification voice: Clock is ticking on east side neighborhoods, Movement KC
Daniel Edwards isn’t shy about his frustrations with the perception of Kansas City’s east side. “I remember my first corporate lunch after graduating college: the joke was, ‘Nobody wants to go near 35th and Prospect at night time,’” said Edwards, a Kansas City area developer and the founder of Movement KC. “I was like, ‘Yo, it’s…
Fried gator to chicken alfredo: Flavors driving KC Cajun to entrepreneur’s next phase
Kansas City businesses should utilize every resource at their disposal to build stronger brands, said Israel England, owner and operator of KC Cajun. “I’m branching out,” England said with confidence as he detailed his coming venture — adapting his KC Cajun catering service into a food truck. “There is so much more room to improve,…