Caterpillar subsidiary expands into KC, turning dirt to create 85 jobs in revitalized industrial corridor near riverfront

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.

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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.

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“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.”